January 2016

WISHFUL SHRINKING: a feast of food that won’t go to waist • PARLEZ VIEW: a Francophile’s Escondido

SEPARATED AT PERTH Visit San Diego’s sister cities down under and beyond

JACOB BELL: A former NFL star tackles life after football

JANUARY 2016 PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

PHOTO OF DOWNTOWN PERTH, AUSTRALIA

Relax responsibly.速 Corona Extra速 Beer. Imported by Crown Imports, Chicago, IL

DISCOVER THE $150 MILLION TRANSFORMATION Discover everything that a newly transformed luxury apartment has to offer including: – Five resort-style pools – State-of-the-art fitness & yoga studios – Craft beer & wine bar – Upgraded kitchens & interiors – Hilltop views and privacy – Minutes from downtown

VILLAGEMISSIONVALLEY.COM

855.781.9764

CALL TODAY FOR A PERSONAL TOUR

editor’s note

Monkey Business What a wild ride 2015 turned out to be. Gay marriage became plain ol’ “marriage,” building a wall became Mexico’s next big project, Bruce became Caitlin, Star Wars became a marketing tool for everything from food to toothbrushes to toilet paper, Kimye became the proud parents of Saint West, “Miss Colombia” became the dumbest thing Steve Harvey ever said, El Niño became serious business, and “She got schlonged” became Donald Trump’s quote of the year.

To start 2016 with a bang, this issue of PacificSD presents a variety of new beginnings. Expand your horizons with a visit to any of San Diego’s 15 sister cities in “Separated at Perth” (page 58); learn why a former NFL star quit football and changed his life in “Jacob’s Latter” (page 68); and see what happens when repeat blind dater Lindsay meets a new guy in her sexy sequel, “Ice to Meet You, Two” (page 106).

After paying Uber $275 to take me home during surge pricing on New Year’s Eve, there’s no turning back. The Year of the Monkey, 2016 marks the beginning PacificSD’s 10th year in print, and we’re looking ahead — to more thrills from the Kardashian Kamp (if you have an iPhone, check how it autocorrects “Lardass”), to the proliferation of lawyers specializing in gay divorce, to Trump thinking El Niño is a Mexican kid who should probably be deported.

(Having said, in October, “Man, we could use a big fat dose of global warming,” Trump’s apparently not worried about the rising tides reaching his New York penthouse.)

Despite the political nonsense, we’re actually going to elect a new President this year. So, nationally, we’re kinda effed. On the local front, however, things continue looking up. Excellent new restaurants and bars are opening all over town, the city’s cultural offerings are expanding, and there’s snow in the local mountains — so much, in fact, that the spring thaw may result in fewer draught problems this year. I wonder which politician will take credit for that.

Happy Year of the Monkey. It’s a good time to go bananas.

Sincerely,

David Perloff, Editor-in-Chief

10

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • JANUARY 2016

STRIDERS OPENING DAY: Thursday January 28 (5:00-8:00 p.m.)

[

[

Come see downtown’s new luxury sports lounge and the only place in the city where you can bet on horse racing all year long.

Hosted craft cocktails Tray-passed menu showcase Live-action horse racing and wagering Wagering advice from the pros Free $5 bet for first 100 guests All-star sports memorabilia displays Complimentary admission

RSVP (required):

pacificticketing.com/striders 100 HARBOR DRIVE, SUITE 101 AT THE BASE OF HARBOR CLUB TOWERS ENTRANCE ON 2ND AVE. & J ST.

A RACY DOWNTOWN AFFAIR

FACEBOOK/HOBSANDIEGO TWITTER @HOBSANDIEGO

HOB.COM/SANDIEGO

volume #10 issue #1 january 2016

STEEL PANTHER J A N U A R Y 23 21+

BRIDGET EVERETT

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

David Perloff

J A N U A R Y 31 21+

C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R

Kenny Boyer MANAGING EDITOR

Catlin Dorset

R. CITY

A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R

Jennifer Ianni

F E B R U A R Y 23 ALL AGES

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Michael Benninger CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

coming soon 1/13 REEL BIG FISH 1/14 THE FIGHTER AND THE KID WITH BRENDAN SCHAUB & BRYAN CALLEN 1/15 THE EXPENDABLES W/ ZACH DEPUTY & TUNNEL VISION 1/17 KIRK FRANKLIN PRESENTS GOSPEL BRUNCH 1/21 THE ADICTS W/ HARD FALL HEARTS 1/22 NEVER SHOUT NEVER W/ METRO STATION 1/29 RICHARD CHEESE AND LOUNGE AGAINST THE MACHINE 2/2 BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE W/ ASKING ALEXANDRIA & WHILE SHE SLEEPS 2/10 JESS GLYNNE W/ CONRAD SEWELL 2/11 HOODIE ALLEN W/ SUPERDUPERKYLE & BLACKBEAR 2/13 HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS W/ THE ATARIS, MEST & HANDGUNS 2/14 KIRK FRANKLIN PRESENTS GOSPEL BRUNCH

Vanessa Balli, Brandon Hernández, Erin Jackson, Tony Lovitt, Brandon Matzek, David Nelson, Sarah Pfledderer, Joe Yogerst CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kate Auda, Michael Auda, Brevin Blach, Paul Body, Arlene Ibarra, Brandon Matzek, Sara Norris

PUBLISHER

David Perloff DIRECTOR OF SALES

Scott Fisk (scott@pacificsandiego.com) MARKETING DIRECTOR

Alyson C. Baker (alyson@pacificsandiego.com) ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Michael Christopher (mike@pacificsandiego.com) CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER

Beverly West (beverly@pacificsandiego.com) P R O M O T I O N S A S S I S TA N T

Daniela Ruz (daniela@pacificsandiego.com)

105 5 F I F T H AV E N U E S A N D I E G O, C A 92 101 | FOR INFO & TIX 619.299.2583 Shows are all ages and standing room only unless otherwise noted. Show dates and times are subject to change.

Tickets subject to all applicable facility fees and service charges. Applicable fees and charges apply to all ticket sales.

14

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • JANUARY 2016

619.296.6300 | pacificsandiego.com | @PACIFICSD Reach America’s Finest readers via print, web, social media, email, street team and events.

Read, click, connect... BOOM!

contents

FEATURES

58 Separated at Perth Visiting San Diego’s sister cities in Australia and beyond

68 Jacob’s Latter An NFL star makes a fresh start

ON THE COVER: Following President Eisenhower’s 1956 initiative to connect people worldwide, Perth, Australia, became one of San Diego’s Sister Cities in 1986. (See story, page 58.)

THIS PAGE: San Diego Sister City Edinburgh, Scotland; sisterhood founded in 1977. (See story, page 58.)

18

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

january 2016

contents

january 2016

DEPARTMENTS CURRENTS 30 One.Sixteen

Event calendar 38 Laughing Stock

January stand-up roundup PULSE 42 Art Beat

January gallery and

exhibition openings 48 Curtain Calls

Performing arts preview 50 Reel Cool

January’s motion

picture preview 54 Flex-ability

Colorful options for

stylish workouts TASTE 74 Wishful Shrinking

Where to enjoy delicious

food that won’t go to waist 84 Meating Place

Where to make the

ultimate French connection 88 Popped Culture

New-age salutes to kernels

20

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

90 Take it from the Tap

A monthly taste of beer

from here 94

Liquid Assets A healthy dose of elixir helps keep business flowing for local deli

GROOVE 96 Sounds Like a Plan

January concert calendar

102 Take a Spin

Upcoming EDM and

DJ performances 104 Blends with Benefits

The advantages of tapping

into liquid salvation love 106 Ice to Meet You, Two

A second chance at

finding romance

“Cornelius” by Jamie Kanes.

(See “Art Beat,” page 42.)

SAN DIEGO RESTAURANT WEEK January 17th-24th

WATCH THE BIG GAME HERE February 7th

VALENTINE’S DAY February 14th

C/PacificBeachAleHouse | M@PB_AleHouse | 721 Grand Ave, Pacific Beach 92109 | 858-581-2337 | pbalehouse.com

[Promotion]

Whole in the Wall A popular downtown venue is completely reimagined

By Ida Rosenberg | Photos by Sara Norris Its construction dust now settled, The Local Eatery & Drinking Hole now features (in addition to the eatery and drinking hole parts) Resident Brewing Co., an on-site brewery and tasting room. That’s a lot to pack inside four walls, which is why the space has been expanded.

Now a much bigger hole in the wall, The Local (still) lures craft beer fans with more than 40 taps from whence a wide variety of local breweries’ (including Resident’s) best offerings flow. Come for the beer, stay for the food, repeat. Or vice versa. Either way, the menu is solid, the cocktails are crafty and the beer is made right here.

If you aren’t Local, you aren’t here.

1065 Fourth Ave., Downtown 619.231.4447, thelocalsandiego.com

22

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

This Place is Hoppin’ A new brew house and tasting room opens downtown

By Ida Rosenberg | Photos by Sara Norris The latest standout in the local brewing scene is Fourth Avenue’s Resident Brewing Company (located inside the recently reimagined The Local Eatery & Drinking Hole), a full-fledged independent craft beer producer in the heart of the city.

Creating a buzz downtown in more ways than one, Robert Masterson is Resident’s resident decorated brewmaster. His R&R Coconut IPA won Stone Brewing Co.’s 2013 Homebrew Competition and, in 2014’s Karl Strauss Pro-Am Brewing Contest, he took First Place for his “Hops Til You Drop” American-Style Double IPA and Third Place for his English-Style “Barleywine.”

Whether it’s because the brewery is located inside The Local, or because Masterson has the word “master” inside his name, it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood thanks to Resident Brewing Co., which is already taking locals by storm.

411 C St., Downtown 619.717.6622, residentbrewing.com facebook.com/residentbrewing

january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

23

[Promotion]

gold mind

Digging deep in search of a richer life | By Craig Sewing The 24/7 news cycle.

Constant flow of social media.

Smartphones. iPhones, iPads, iCrack.

It’s all the same at this point.

SENSORY OVERLOAD!

I

t’s no wonder so many kids have ADHD and need drugs as a solution. Adults, too. I may just be an undiagnosed case myself.

I don’t preach eating vegetables, increasing time at the gym or picking up a sweat-breaking hobby like Muay Thai kickboxing... although these are things

that I do for myself.

While I consider myself a health nut, I’m not “that guy” who annoys others about it. And, admittedly, not everything I do is so good for me. Quick example: I once jumped into the ring in Thailand to get a free bucket of beer for fighting.

Fighting under the influence to show off your skills isn’t exactly good health advice, so I generally don’t offer any. (In case you’re wondering, I won the fight.)

Aside from that crazy story, while in Thailand, I learned things about Eastern medicine that are worth sharing. In fact, what I learned turned out to be one of the most important discoveries of my professional career.

What I learned, in a word: Meditation.

Left to right: Boxing… for beer. A little more meditating might have prevented that; that’s me, meditating in Thailand.

24

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

The mere thought of me meditating makes my friends laugh and my old man scratch his head, wondering if I’ve turned into a hippie. Truth is, the more someone seems like they would never meditate, the more they probably should.

There’s an old saying: If you can’t find 15 minutes to meditate daily, find an hour.

When society is flying a million miles a minute, taking time to turn off the noise and center oneself is key to a healthy state of mind. The notion sounded crazy to me at first… until I tried it.

So, what is meditation, exactly? It’s taking time for yourself. You are a special spirit, and until you turn everything else off, you don’t have the opportunity to listen to only yourself. Fear, low self-esteem,

RaiLay Beach and Ko Rang Nok at sunset in Krabi Thailand.

lack of confidence — introspection can sometimes calm these negative energies.

Don’t expect to find brilliant answers right out of the gate, as the first few moments of complete silence can be a bit chaotic, but do expect simply unwinding to lead to pleasantly surprising results.

I know that finding the time to calm your brain, even for a moment, can seem impossible. Trust me, I get it. I’m a workaholic who couldn’t find the time, but now I always do. wAll day long, our conscious mind and subconscious fight each for real estate

within our brains. Consciousness is one of the greatest gifts God has given us. It’s the state of being in the moment, not thinking of yesterday’s problems or having anxiety about tomorrow’s, but being right where you are, at this very instant. That simple unwinding can be a game-changer on many different levels.

Entering and spending some time in this mental and physical state will ultimately translate to more confidence and better execution in your daily life. It works for me, and I’ve seen it work for so many other people. Whether you’re stepping on stage in front of a crowd of people, conducting a business meeting or simply grabbing a cup of coffee, the inner strengths that stem from meditation are complete comfort and

control in any situation.

We spend so much time reading books to gain knowledge, hitting the gym for hours upon end and eating the most ridiculous meals to try to sculpt a summer body. Yet, few of us take the time to train our most important organ, our brains.

Meditation is as old as any medicine, and now that you’ve considered it for a moment, I’ll bet you’ll notice yourself hearing about it even more. Western medicine has done some amazing things, but prescription drugs aren’t always the answer.

In today’s high-tech world, tech is part of the problem. The solution: turn it off, all of it. Take a deep breath and look inside — the happiness you’ve been searching for may lie right beneath the surface.

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 january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

25

[Promotion]

Feature Market:

Downtown 92101

Market Update Music Box opened in September 2015, coming in with a strong musical line up from the beginning. Expect the highest quality in sound, food, drinks and overall experience.

The venue features a three level lounge area with VIP and booth seating, two outdoor patios and great views of the stage from anywhere in the venue.

(November 2015 data) Number of homes for sale: 202 Number of homes sold: 39 Highest Price: $1,250,000 Lowest Price: $205,000 Median Home Price: $497,000

Market Info

As we have moved into the holiday season, we have seen a slight slowdown from the busy summer market we experienced. The market is stable and inventory remains tight.

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.

Contest Alert

BRE#01459513

Upload a photo of any concert or live music performance using #musicBoxSD #PacificMBox @MusicBoxSD and tag your favorite concert buddy for a chance to win four tickets to any Music Box concert and a $50 gift card. Be sure to follow @MusicBoxSD on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to be eligible to win.

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

Feature Market:

Talmadge 92115

Sought-after north Talmadge Stunner!

Remodeled 4 bedroom 3 bath located on private cul-de-sac with panoramic views on canyon lot. Features include: SMART home technology, vaulted ceilings, Italian tile, hardwood mocha flooring, quartz countertops, LED lighting, entertaining kitchen with center island, Viking range and wine refrigerator.

Listing priced at: $1,050,000 - $1,100,000

Market Update

(November 2015 data) Highest Price: $1,300,000 Lowest Price: $340,000 Median Home Price: $508,191

Business Spotlight

Terra American Bistro is an American eatery featuring farm-to-table fare and a large wine list in a homey, brick and wood room.

7091 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115 Phone: (619) 293-7088

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

The

Craig Sewing

Show 1170 AM WEEKDAYS AT 6PM

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

Craigsewing.com

follow craig

B R E A K F A S T

$3 CRAFT BREWS ( 4 - 7 P. M . D A I LY ) D O W N T O W N ’S O N LY F U L L - S E RV I C E 2 4 / 7 R E S TA U R A N T T H E R E S TA U R A N T T H AT N E V E R S L E E P S ® 8 2 8 S I X T H AV E N U E

L U N C H

D I N N E R

2 4 H O U R S A D A Y

Happy Fry Day WEEKENDS L A ST LONGER AT B R I A N ’ S 2 4 , W H E R E E V E R Y D AY I S F R Y D AY.

G A S L A M P Q U A RT E R

619.702.8410

BRIANS24.COM

currents one.sixteen january event calendar

By Catlin Dorset

12.31-1.3

San Diego International Auto Show San Diego Convention Center, Downtown

sdautoshow.com See, touch and sit in the more than 400 all-new 2016 vehicles (including Lincoln’s Continental Concept, shown here) at this annual car display and try not to leave fingerprints on the Maseratis, Ferraris and Aston Martins in the Exotics Vault. cont. on page 32

30

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

calendar 30 comedy 38

CUR R ENTS

CALENDAR

1.8-10

Pacific PonyCon Kona Kai Resort & Spa, Shelter Island

cont. from page 30

1.8-10

San Diego Spring Home Show San Diego Convention Center, Downtown homeshowsandiego.com Find out how much money it takes to build a dream kitchen, get the 4-1-1 on solar energy costs and credits, and buy a new hot tub at this one-stop-shop for all things home design and renovation.

1.8-9

pacificponycon.com Let your inner 8-year-old girl run wild at San Diego’s first My Little Pony convention, featuring beach parties, card collecting and appearances by the voices behind the popular cartoon characters.

Winter Festival Community Park, Poway

poway.org

Roast marshmallows for s’mores, sled down a real-snow hill and skate on the mock ice rink at this free coldweather carnival.

1.12

America’s Got Talent Season 11 auditions San Diego Convention Center, Downtown americasgottalentauditions.com Got what it takes to turn 2016 judge Simon Cowell’s scowl upside down?

Prove it by auditioning for AGT’s Season 11, which airs this summer.

S imo n C udb y, courtes y M o n ster E n erg y S upercross

32

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

1.16

Monster Energy Supercross Petco Park, East Village

supercrosslive.com The world’s top off-road motorcycle racers tackle an obstacle-laden dirt track in hopes of crossing the finish line first and ultimately dethroning reigning champ Ryan Dungey at the upcoming October 15 Monster Energy Cup in Las Vegas. cont. on page 34

CUR R ENTS

CALENDAR cont. from page 32

1.17-24

San Diego Restaurant Week Several restaurants countywide

sandiegorestaurantweek.com Feast at a fraction of the cost as nearly 200 participating restaurants throughout San Diego offer prix fixe lunch and dinner menus during this semiannual gastronomical fête.

R ic h C ruse

1.17

Carlsbad Marathon Marron Road, Carlsbad

carlsbadmarathon.com Run a seaside 13.1-mile course (or twice that) during this first race of the Half Marathon Triple Crown 2016 season.

1.20-24

Disney On Ice presents Frozen Valley View Casino Center, Point Loma disneyonice.com Anna, Elsa and Olaf recreate their beloved Frozen story live on the ice with special appearances by Disney princesses and characters from Toy Story, Finding Nemo and The Lion King.

1.17

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Harbor Drive, Downtown

alpha-zsl.org Parade floats, high school bands, drill teams and more help celebrate the legacy of Dr. King (January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968) on what would have been the reverend’s 87th birthday weekend.

1.21-24

San Diego Sunroad Boat Show Sunroad Marina, Harbor Island bigbayboatshow.com Join seafarers and other salty souls for a long weekend of sailing seminars, in-water yacht displays, boat rides and more. cont. on page

34

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

36

On Mission Bay

OceanaCoastal.com | 858.539.8635 Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

# OceanaCoastal

CUR R ENTS

CALENDAR cont. from page 34

1.23

Monster Jam Petco Park, East Village

monsterjam.com

1.22-24

Grave Digger, Monster Mutt and other largerthan-life trucks return to Petco Park to perform stunts and crush everything in their paths.

Caffeine Crawl Coffeehouses countywide

caffeinecrawl.com

Follow one of 10 self-guided routes to get buzzed on coffee and tea offerings from nearly two dozen local shops.

1.23-24

San Diego Cat Show Del Mar Fairgrounds

sandiegocat.org

1.28-31

San Diego Black Film Festival Reading Cinemas, Gaslamp sdbff.com

Adopt a cat, watch feline agility competitions and peruse nearly 500 purring pussies at what’s being touted (by the event’s promoters) as the “Super Bowl of Cat Competitions.”

See more than 100 feature films, shorts, documentaries and music videos at this 14th annual screening and awards ceremony… and hope Jay Z makes an appearance (as he did in 2010).

1.31

Bridal Bazaar San Diego Convention Center, Downtown

bridalbazaar.com

1.29-31

Lunar New Year Festival Qualcomm Stadium, Mission Valley

lunarnewyearfestival.org Enjoy carnival rides, live performances, pageants and more in celebration of Vietnamese culture and the Year of the Monkey.

36

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

Wedding wizzes — experts in everything from dresses to DJs, cakes to photographers, and hairstyling to transportation — make this one-day wedding expo at the Convention Center a must for any future bride.

CUR R ENTS

COMEDY

1.28

William Shatner

“

George [Takei], I had no idea they’d be so rough on you tonight.

They really ripped you a new one. I’m sure you’ll find use for it, though.

”

Laughing stock

—William Shatner on Comedy Central Roast of William Shatner @ Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org

January stand-up roundup Comedy curator: Catlin Dorset

cont. on page 40

38

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

CUR R ENTS

COMEDY cont. from page 38

1.1-2 Steve Trevino “Charlie sheen is HIV positive. That’s it?

What else? That can’t be all.”

—Steve Trevino on Twitter @ The Comedy Store La Jolla, thecomedystore.com

1.1-3 Colin Kane “I accidentally hit Shazam while I was taking a shit, and it told me I was listening to Kanye West.”

—Colin Kane on Twitter @ The American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

1.7 Sinbad “Let’s redo marriage. Let’s make it difficult to get married, easy to be divorced. Let’s make it difficult. You gotta pay money upfront, you gotta pay a fine, you gotta pay money. ‘How much you love her? It’s gonna cost you $20,000.’ ‘Whoaaa, wait.’”

—Sinbad on Make Me Wanna Holla @ Sycuan Casino, sycuan.com

1.7-8 Kevin Smith “When I became 38, I became a hardcore stoner. Slowly, over the course of, like, many hours.”

—Kevin Smith on Too Fat for 40! @ The American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

“Did you know that actually — this is true — this area of Colorado, right around here in Boulder, has the highest cases of pedophilia per capita of anywhere else in Colorado? Did you know that? It’s true, I read it on Wikipedia. I mean, I put it in there, but I read it right afterwards.”

— T.J. Miller on T.J. Miller: No Real Reason @ The American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com T re v i n o p h oto b y Lisa B ooko ; si n bad p h oto b y Nata l ie B rasi n gto n ; sei n fe l d p h oto b y Jaso n S h e l do n ; B O dde n p h oto b y T odd R ose n berg ; P roops p h oto b y I di l S uka n

1.15 Jerry Seinfeld

1.28-30 Greg Proops

“Kim Kardashian’s baby came out early.

He couldn’t stand being inside her for nine months.”

—Adam Hunter on Twitter @ Mad House Comedy Club, madhousecomedyclub.com

“According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking.

Number two is death. Now this means, to the average person, if you have to go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”

—Jerry Seinfeld on Seinfeld @ Civic Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org

“I think the computer is an awesome tool, and the phone is a tool. And if you’re on the phone all the time, you’re a tool as well.”

—Greg Proops at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival @ The American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

1.14-16 Cristela Alonzo

1.28 Alonzo Bodden

1.31 Bridget Everett

“I like when I drink and blackout, because the next day I always feel like I’m in my own CSI episode, you know, looking for clues everywhere I go.

‘What the… Taco Bell…. Mountain Dew… Who the hell is that?’”

—Cristela Alonzo on The Half Hour @ The American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

“In the history of aviation, a black person has never even attempted to hijack a plane. Do you wanna know why?

Because you can’t sell an airplane. You tell me what a brother’s supposed to do with an airplane.”

—Alonzo Bodden on Comedy Central Stand-Up @ Music Box, musicboxsd.com

“How many rails of melatonin do I need to do before this shit kicks in?”

—Bridget Everett on Twitter @ House of Blues, hob.com

1.13 Adam Hunter

40

1.9-10 t.j. miller

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

=

pulse

JANUARY gallery & exhibition openings

By Sarah Pfledderer

1.8

“Wandering in the Dream Field” Sparks Gallery 530 Sixth Ave., Downtown 619.696.1416 sparksgallery.com Sparks Gallery’s current group show comes to a close with exhibiting artists putting on live demonstrations of the techniques and styles used in creating their dream-inspired works. cont. on page 44

”Cat A La Mode” by Alexander Arshansky

42

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

ART BEAT 42 performing arts 48 movies 50 fashion 54

“ W h y does the e y e see a thing more clearly in dreams than the imagination when awake ? ” ­—Leonardo da Vinci

january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

43

=

PUL S E

ART BEAT cont. from page 42

1.8-2.13 “Incorporeal Things to Control” by Margaret Noble Athenaeum Music & Arts Library 1008 Wall St., La Jolla 858.454.5872, ljathenaeum.org Margaret Noble experiments with animating objects — such as music boxes, bells, bullets, ceramic animals, Victorian albums and more — in this solo, interactive show.

1.9 Philip Petrie Low Gallery 1878 Main St., Barrio Logan 619.348.5517, lowgallerysd.com Oil painter Philip Petrie marries surrealism and abstract expressionism in his latest installation that challenges viewers to tap into their spiritual and philosophical senses.

44

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

CLOCKWISE (from top left): “Archetypes 1” by Margaret Noble; “Motion Picture” by Jere Dean; “Unnamed 5” by Philip Petrie.

1.5-31 “4 UP” The Studio Door 3750 30th St., North Park 619.255.4920, openstudiossandiego.com This gallery in North Park will debut four local artists’ works on Saturdays in January: Paul Ward (Jan. 5-10), Lynn Schuette (Jan. 12-17), Gloria Muriel (Jan. 19-24) and Jere Dean (Jan 26-31).

CLOCKWISE (from top left): “Tulip” by Dain Tasker; “Poe” by Cameron Canales; “The Timekeeper” by Charlene Mosley; “Yard” by Sophia Narrett; “400 Years Without a Comb” by Jerry Logans.

1.9-2.19 “Floral Studies” by Dain Tasker Joseph Bellows Gallery

1.2-3 5th Annual ArtAThon Distinction Gallery

1.13-2.8 “On the Radar” Mike Hess Brewing

7661 Girard Ave., La Jolla 858.456.5620, josephbellows.com

317 E. Grand Ave., Escondido 760.707.2770, distinctionart.com

3812 Grim Ave., North Park 619.255.7136, artbykami.com

A radiologist gone rogue, Dain Tasker bloomed into an artist in the 1930s when he photographed a range of flower species using X-ray processes.

Brew the coffee. It’s going to be a long night for the 20-plus artists participating in this 24-hour art-making marathon, which will produce paintings, drawings and other works to be auctioned throughout January.

Mike Hess Brewery hosts more than 30 emerging local artists poised to make an impact on the San Diego art scene.

1.16-3.6 “The History and the Hair Story: 400 Years Without a Comb” California Center for the Arts 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido 760.839.4138, artcenter.org See how 400 years of black hairstyles and historical events — exhibited via artifacts, photography, propaganda and more — have shaped African-American identity and individuality.

1.16-3.12 Sophia Narrett Lux Art Institute 1550 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas 760.436.6611, luxartinstitute.org Focusing on her embroidered paintings, Sophia Narrett commits her residency at Lux to crafting works that depict how pop culture and personal experience affect societal fantasies related to gender, identity and desire.

cont. on page 46

january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

45

=

PUL S E

ART BEAT cont. from page 45

1.16-4.3 “Modern Simplicity” by Kathleen Probst Visions Art Museum 2825 Dewey Rd., Ste. 100, Liberty Station 619.546.4872, visionsartmuseum.org Textiles meet abstractionism in this solo exhibit of Kathleen Probst’s latest hand-dyed works.

FROM TOP: “Lava” by Kathleen Probst; “Green Tea” by Darcy Falk; “Atávico II” by Álvaro Blancarte; “The Los Angeles County Museum on Fire”

by Ed Ruscha.

1.16-4.3 “Riot of Color: Divining Treasure”

by Darcy Falk Visions Art Museum 2825 Dewey Rd., Ste. 100, Liberty Station 619.546.4872, visionsartmuseum.org Artist Darcy Falk fuses color, stitching hand-dyed fabrics into adventurous, expressive art quilts.

1.30-4.24 “Marking the Present” by Álvaro Blancarte Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) 700 Prospect St., La Jolla 858.454.3541, mcasd.org Meshing sands and marble powder with acrylic and enamel paints, painter Álvaro Blancarte maps the deserts of Baja California, Mexico.

1.30-4.24 “Then & Now: Paintings from the 1960s and 2000s” by Ed Ruscha Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) 700 Prospect St., La Jolla 858.454.3541, mcasd.org Photographer Edward Ruscha recreates images from his 1966 book, Every Building on the Sunset Strip, to reveal how his subjects change over time.

46

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

RUN BRAVE

Saturday March 5 8:00 am

Mission Bay Park San Diego

$5 OFF discount code PACIFIC

Professionally Timed 5K | 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk

UndyRunWalk.org

PRESENTED BY THE MAKER OF

january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

UndySD_QtrAd.indd 1

12/15/15 12:08 PM

47

PUL S E

performing arts

curtain calls

january performing arts preview

By Sarah Pfledderer 1.5-10 If/Then San Diego Civic Theatre 1100 Third Ave., Downtown 619.570.1100, sandiegotheatres.org Starring Tony Awardwinning actor Idina Menzel, this Broadway musical portrays two life paths a 40-yearold might follow when moving back to New York in search of a fresh start.

1.8-2.14 The Nerd Lamb’s Players Theatre 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado 619.437.6000, lambsplayers.org In a funk on his birthday, an architect gets a surprise visit from an old army friend who ultimately serves as more of a laughable nuisance than a long-gone pal.

1.21-2.14 Outside Mullingar San Diego Repertory Theatre 79 Horton Plaza, Downtown 619.544.1000, sdrep.org A dispute over a patch of land in rural Ireland finally ends a nervous standoff between longtime neighbors who’d been jockeying to make the first move.

1.26-28 Shen Yun California Center for the Arts 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido 800.988.4253, artcenter.org Five thousand years of Chinese culture come alive via dance performances accompanied

by Chinese and Western orchestral scores.

1.30-3.6 The Metromaniacs The Old Globe 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park 619.234.5623, theoldglobe.org Follow a tale of mistaken identities when, in 18th century Paris, a man falls for a female poet he doesn’t realize is actually a middle-aged man using a pen name.

1.14-2.14 When the Rain Stops Falling Cygnet Theatre 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town 619.337.1525, cygnettheatre.com It’s the year 2039, and it’s been raining fish and seawater for days — confirming a dire vision of the end of life on Earth a grandfather had had 50 years earlier.

1.19-21 Riverdance San Diego Civic Theatre 1100 Third Ave., Downtown 619.570.1100, sandiegotheatres.org Music, song and dance put Irish traditions center stage during this 20thanniversary world tour.

48

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

I f / T h e n p h oto b y Joa n M arcus ; o utsi d e mu l l in g a r p h oto b y D are n S cott; s h e n y u n p h oto © 2 0 1 2 S h e n Yu n P erformi n g A rts

1.13-2.7 Sherlock Holmes and the Adventures of the Great Nome Gold Rush North Coast Repertory Theatre 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Ste. D, Solana Beach 858.481.1055, northcoastrep.org This world-premiere production puts a Wild West twist on the story of detective Sherlock Holmes, who travels to Nome, Alaska, to prove a client innocent of murder.

1.31-2.28 Brownsville Song (B-Side for Tray) MOXIE Theatre 6663 El Cajon Blvd., College Area 858.598.7620, moxietheatre.com Mystery and tragedy abound when 18-yearold Tray is shot in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn, forcing his biracial family to navigate its strongest and weakest moments.

PUL S E

movies

The 5th Wave Can we survive the 5th wave?

Sci-Fi | Thriller Starring: Chloë Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson, Liev Schreiber In theatres: January 22 A girl determined to rescue her little brother in the wake of four alien attacks joins forces with a mysterious young man as the deadliest assault yet draws near.

REEL COOL January’s motion picture preview

By Michael Benninger The Forest Ride Along 2 The brothers-in-law are back.

Action | Comedy Starring: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Olivia Munn In theatres: January 15 Antics ensue when an almost-married undercover agent and his partner-slashfuture-brother-in-law venture to Miami to investigate a debonair drug dealer.

Everyone comes here looking for a way out.

Thriller | Horror Starring: Natalie Dormer, Taylor Kinney, Eoin Macken In theatres: January 8 When a tenacious young woman tracks her missing twin sister to an eerie Japanese forest, she finds herself in a nightmarish realm where sinister spirits terrorize those wandering through the woods.

cont. on page 52

50

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

PUL S E

movies cont. from page 50

The Boy Every child needs to feel loved.

Horror | Thriller Starring: Lauren Cohan, Rupert Evans, Diana Hardcastle In theatres: January 22 A young nanny’s mind is blown when she learns that her new employers’ child is actually a creepy, life-size doll designed to replace their long-dead son.

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

Norm of the North

When everything went wrong, six men had the courage to do what was right.

Adventure | Comedy Starring: Rob Schneider, Heather Graham, Ken Jeong In theatres: January 15

Drama | Thriller Starring: John Krasinski, Pablo Schreiber, Max Martini In theatres: January 15 In a story based on true events that took place in 2012 (and which got Hillary Clinton in a lot of hot water), a team of six security officials protects the U.S. Consulate in Libya when Islamic extremists attack.

52

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

Bear to be different.

A polar bear and his fuzzy friends journey to the Big Apple to keep an insane industrialist from constructing luxury condos near their Arctic home.

The Finest Hours

Kung Fu Panda 3

We all live or we all die.

The weight is over.

Drama | History Starring: Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster In theatres: January 29

Adventure | Comedy Starring: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan In theatres: January 29

A tempest traps dozens of sailors inside a sinking oil tanker as the Coast Guard makes the ballsy call to rescue the men, despite treacherous conditions. (Based on actual events that occurred in 1952.)

In order to fend off invading forces, a martial arts master and his long-lost father transform a community of inept pandas into adept warriors.

Fifty Shades of Black Once you go black, you never go gray.

Comedy Starring: Marlon Wayans, Jane Seymour, Kali Hawk In theatres: January 29

Dirty Grandpa They’re hitting the road. And everything on it.

Comedy Starring: Zac Efron, Robert De Niro, Julianne Hough In theatres: January 22

In this wry take on the popular Fifty Shades of Grey fiction franchise, an industrialist playboy seduces a bumbling writer in an attempt to satisfy his sexual proclivities.

A week before his wedding, a high-strung lawyer who’s deceived by his devilish grandfather winds up taking the depraved oldster along for a debaucherous spring break in Daytona Beach.

january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

53

PUL S E

fashion

Flex-ability Colorful options for stylish workouts Story and modeling by Vanessa Balli Photos by Arlene Ibarra

W

hether inspiration comes from New Year’s resolutions or wanting to get back into that favorite pair of skinny jeans, it’s (always) a great time to get off the couch and get in shape. Plus, the slight chill in the air adds to the fun-factor of getting your workout on and, of course, dressing the part.

I don’t know what it is about new workout clothes — like finding the right pair of cropped leggings, the ones that aren’t going to reveal you’re wearing a thong when you bend over — that motivates me to be more active, but any excuse to buy new clothes, I’m all for it. cont. on page 56

ON VANESSA: Hooded top by Lorna Jane ($45), lornajane.com.

Leggings ($30) and performance resistance vest ($35) by Calvin Klein, Maxwell tote by Kipling ($80), Macy’s, macys.com.

Water bottle ($10), yoga mat ($15) and earbuds by Sony ($15), Target, target.com. Shoes by Nike, nike.com.

54

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

PUL S E

fashion cont. from page 54

Whether hitting the trails at Torrey Pines, finding balance at a yoga class or working out at home, it’s important to look and feel good in workout clothes.

The wrong fabric, fit or size can ruin the experience and, worse, might lead to skipping future workouts.

So instead of worrying about your clothes riding up or falling off during your morning spin class, keep these simple tips in mind: 1. Invest in comfortable and stylish clothes.

2. Cotton is nice, but completely wrong for working out — it will weigh you down and stick to your skin.

3. Look for fabrics with moisture-wicking material that will give you the right amount of ventilation. They may cost a little more than your average tee, but they’re worth the price and will last through many workouts and washes. Same goes for socks, sports bras and jackets.

4. When it comes to fit, shy away from anything too tight that could end up irritating your skin or make you feel uncomfortable.

5. Try venturing away from the basic black leggings and go for that bold pop of color instead. Doing so may elevate your mood and make you actually want to get out and move. Coordinate the rest of your look with like colors.

6. Add a puffy vest for your early morning run, and accessorize with a weatherproof nylon bag that’s easy to clean.

7. Find pieces that flatter your body so you can hit the gym, yoga studio or streets in style and feel confident.

Whether you’re a fitness junkie or finally ready to start getting in shape, it all starts with the perfect workout gear.

ON VANESSA: Racerback top ($46) and yoga pants ($108)

by YogaSmoga, yogasmoga.com. Shoes by Nike, nike.com.

56

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

GEARING UP what the funk?

The rise of personal activity-tracking devices has led to the need for stylish ways to conceal said devices (#firstworldproblems).

Enter Funktional

Wearables, a San Diegobased company that sells cute jewelry and accessories (many dropshipped from China) to camouflage FitBits, Apple watches and other popular fitness trackers.

Add funk to your fitness at funktionalwearables.com

Süga Yoga Mats ($79) There’s nothing more Encinitas than Süga, a local company that manufactures yoga mats made from recycled wetsuits,

which are otherwise non-biodegradable, environment-ruining, landfill-clogging nightmares. Now, earthconscious yogis can do a downward-facing dog and ride a wave of change without leaving the ground. sugamats.com

ON VANESSA: Racerback top by Lorna Jane ($60), lornajane.com. Leggings ($49) and sports bra ($25) by Calvin Klein, Maxwell tote

by Kipling ($80), Macy’s, macys.com. Shoes by Nike, nike.com.

january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

57

S e parat e d

at

PERT H

Visiting San Diego’s sister cities in Australia and beyond By Joe Yogerst

Dwight Eisenhower gave us quite a few things: victory in Europe, the Interstate Highway System and the “sister cities” concept, which Ike announced during a 1956 White House conference on citizen diplomacy.

San Diego was one of the first cities to leap onto the bandwagon and has since forged relationships with 15 cities around the globe.

Scattered across six continents, San Diego’s civic partners represent a wide spectrum of urban landscapes and styles, from ancient Asian and European metropolises to cities that weren’t founded until after World War II. They also make an interesting assemblage of destinations for those craving new, exotic and sometimes offbeat places to travel.

Alcala de Henares, Spain Located 20 miles east of Madrid, Alcalá de Henares was the birthplace of celebrated author Miguel de Cervantes (Don Quixote) and the place where a then-unknown skipper by the name of Christopher Columbus first suggested a voyage across the ocean to Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella. Like San Diego, Alcalá is home to a large military airbase and a university town. In fact, the University of San Diego (USD) campus design was largely inspired by the Universidad de Alcalá. From the Plaza de Cervantes and cobblestone Calle Major to the Cathedral of the Santos Niños and the Archbishop’s Palace, the city is flush with Gothic and Renaissance architecture. A living-history train, with actors playing scenes from Don Quixote, runs between Madrid and Alcalá from April to June and October to December.

Where To Stay: Parador de Alcalá de Henares — San Jerónimo College, a 17th-century monastery school, has been converted into a romantic luxury hotel near the town center. parador.es

58

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

Campinas, Brazil A thriving science and high-tech hub, Campinas is located about 60 miles north of Sao Paulo. Founded around the same time as San Diego (1774), Campinas grew rich on Brazil’s coffee boom. The old town is spangled with Portuguese colonial landmarks, but the city also has its new-age attractions including modern science museums and a wide range of performing arts. The Bosque dos Jequitibas preserves a patch of rainforest in the city center, while the handsome countryside around Campinas flaunts coffee plantations, mountainous areas and villages populated by Dutch settlers.

With more than 35,000 students, Campinas University ranks as the second best in Latin America.

Where To Stay: Royal Palm Resort — swimming pools, tennis courts, a fitness center and spa, and two thematic playgrounds for children round out the amenities at this Brazilian resort. royalpalm.com

january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

59

Cavite City, Philippines San Diego and this Philippines seaport have a lot in common, including navy bases and Spanish colonial religious institutions named San Diego de Alcala (the local example of which is the mission located in Grantville). A convent founded in 1608, the Cavite City version is now long gone, destroyed during World War II like most of the city’s other historical structures.

But many other colonial relics remain, including Imus Cathedral, a stout “Earthquake Baroque” structure designed to resist the tremors that afflict the archipelago.

Located on a peninsula stretching in Manila Bay, Cavite was the eastern base of the famous Manila Galleons that plied the Pacific with solid gold cargoes.

Where to Stay: Sonya’s Garden — perched on the side of Taal Volcano, about an hour’s drive from Cavite City, Sonja’s combines tranquil countryside and legendary Filipino hospitality. sonyasgarden.com

60

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

Edinburgh, Scotland The city that inspired Harry Potter blends ancient and modern like no other British city. From Edinburgh Castle to the royal yacht Britannia and lofty Arthur’s Seat, there’s plenty of pomp and circumstance. But Scotland’s capital is also renowned for fine food, great beer and a summer-long festival season that includes the Royal Military Tattoo and The Fringe. Make like a Scot and trek Holyrood Park, get fitted for a kilt, learn the bagpipes and sink your teeth into juicy haggis before launching a pub crawl along the Royal Mile.

Where to Stay: The Scotsman — located in the former offices of The Scotsman newspaper, this chic boutique hotel is located right off the Royal Mile. thescotsmanhotel.co.uk

Jalalabad, Afghanistan War forged the ongoing relationship between San Diego and this eastern Afghanistan city.

As a forward operating base for U.S. Marines, Jalalabad has been a key city in the struggle against the Taliban. The city’s history stretches back more than 2,000 years to Alexander the Great’s invasion and, for centuries after, it was a center of the region’s Greco-Buddhist culture. For obvious reasons, Jalalabad doesn’t get many tourists these days. But if you do happen to find yourself there, visit the old royal tombs and the Hada Museum, shop for carpet in the market and try to catch a cricket game in the new stadium.

Where to Stay: Taj Mahal Guest House — Eastern Afghanistan’s best digs include a back garden, workout area and billiards room. tajhouse2012.wordpress.com

january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

61

Jeonju, South Korea

It’s all about eating in Jeonju. Two hours by bullet train south of Seoul, the city is renowned around the peninsula for a culinary scene that includes iconic regional dishes (like bibimbap), celebrity chefs and gastronomic events. Between meals, duck into Hanok Village, an outdoor museum with more than 800 historic buildings from around Korea, or browse various palaces, temples and forts erected during imperial days, when Jeonju was an important political, cultural and religious center. Best time to visit is during the annual Bibimbap Festival in October.

Where to Stay: Benikea Jazz Around Hotel — located on the eastern edge of Jeonju, not far from the train station, the Benikea hotel features guest rooms decorated by local artists and designers. benikea.com

Leon, Mexico

One of Mexico’s most progressive cities, Leon has won international recognition for its eco-friendly ways and means, including an über-efficient urban transportation system. Located in the highlands, about 240 miles north of Mexico City, the city blends Spanish colonial charm and modern business savvy. There are plenty of old plazas and palaces to poke around, but Leon’s most impressive landmark is much newer than it looks: the Neo-Gothic Santuario Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús is a flamboyant church built in the 1920s. The city’s central location affords easy access to nearby gems like Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende and the Tequila Country.

Where to Stay: HS Hotsson Hotel — an outdoor heated pool, tennis center and spa with al fresco treatments make this modern hotel the place to stay in Leon. hotsson.com

Perth, Australia

With its laidback attitude, outdoor lifestyles, endless beaches and Mediterranean climate, Perth may be more like San Diego than any other city on the planet.

And the similarities continue. The thousand-acre King’s Park is a leafy, Down Under version of Balboa Park, the Freemantle waterfront could easily pass for Mission Bay, and the wildflower-strewn desert beyond resembles our own Anza-Borrego. This sister-city bond was forged in 1986 as the Western Australian capital was preparing to host the America’s Cup yacht race.

Where to Stay: Hougoumont Freemantle — tucked inside a Victorian-era building that previously served as a brewery, brothel and Italian Club, this new hotel is within an easy walk of the waterfront. hougoumonthotel.com

62

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

Taichung City, Taiwan A two-hour drive south of Taipei, this is Taiwan’s third largest city, a hard-working hub of business and industry celebrated for its delicious suncakes, fruity bubble teas and trendy shoemaking. Californians will be equally amazed and shocked by the 921 Earthquake Museum of Taiwan; similar reactions are provoked by the giant golden Buddha statue at PaoChueh Temple. Taichung is also a great base for exploring the natural wonders of mountainous central Taiwan, including Shei-Pa and Tarako national parks.

Where to Stay: Reddot Hotel — admittedly designed with a sense of humor, the Reddot flaunts plenty of pop art and playful furnishings. reddot-hotel.com

january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

63

Tema, Ghana

If you’ve never heard of this African oceanfront city, you’re not alone — Tema didn’t exist before 1962, when it was founded as a purpose-built “new town” and Ghana’s largest seaport. Tema’s big claim to fame is the fact that it’s located at zero degrees longitude, right on the Greenwich Meridian. Not surprisingly, Greenwich, England is another of its three sister cities. Other than watching containers unloading at the port, there’s not an awful lot for visitors to do in Tema. Although the Sakumo Lagoon Protected Area on the town’s western edge is a wetlands of international importance, home to sea turtles and 70 bird species.

Where to Stay: Labadi Beach Hotel — Ghana’s best beach resort lies about halfway between Tema and Accra on a golden stretch of South Atlantic sand. legacyhotels.co.za

Tijuana, Mexico

San Diego’s Hispanic alter ego is the easiest of all the sister cities to reach, situated just a quick drive down Interstate 5. With more than five million people, the Mexican metropolis is now larger than its north-of-the-border kin. Shopping and dining remain de rigueur for any visit, but you can also catch an IMAX movie, dance performance or art show at the Tijuana Cultural Center, or head west for a slice of Baja-fresh sea, sun and sand.

Where to Stay: Hotel Ticuán — efficient, comfortable and modern, Ticuán offers a dash of contemporary Mexico in the middle of old Tijuana. hotelticuan.mx

64

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

Warsaw, Poland

Another Iron Curtain orphan, Poland’s capital has blossomed, since the wall came down, into one of the more intriguing cities in Eastern Europe. The Polish burg mashes a thousand years of architectural styles from medieval St. John’s Cathedral and baroque Lazienki Palace through Soviet Bloc monstrosities. Catch a concert at the Chopin Salon, study the stars at the Copernicus Science Center or reflect on the city’s turbulent past at the Warsaw Uprising Museum.

Where to Stay: Polonia Palace — overlooking one of Warsaw’s main squares, the Polonia has long been one of the Polish capital’s finest abodes. poloniapalace.com

Vladivostok, Russia

“Siberia meets the sea” is a great way to describe this Russian seaport, which overlooks the Sea of Japan at the end of the Trans-Siberian Railway. Golden Horn Bay, with its soaring bridges and Pacific Fleet warships, is the main attraction. The fading, yet still-fantastic tsarist architecture and Communist-era monuments complement this waterfront city’s eclectic charm. Wild Siberia is never far away — visit the islands in the Peter the Great Gulf, Lazurnaya Bay or the remote Zov Tigra National Park (one of the last bastions of the Siberian tiger).

Where to Stay: Sibirskoe Podvorie — the inn’s history stretches back to tsarist times (1898), when a local merchant built this ostentatious, imperial-style mansion. otelspen.com

january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

65

Yantai, China

Bacchanalian delights infuse this sleepy seacoast city, renowned for being home to China’s oldest and largest winery, as well as the fruit produced in its hinterlands. Perched on the north shore of the Shandong Peninsula, Yantai is also a fishing port and beach resort. Founded in the 1700s, Changyu Winery offers a museum, underground cellar and tasting room. After your tipple, head over to Nanshan Park to see the pandas, and then end the day at Haichang Fisherman’s Wharf with its aquarium and seafood eateries.

Where to Stay: Sheraton Yantai Golden Beach Resort — located along a sandy stretch of Taozi Bay, this sprawling Sheraton resort offers water sports, a luxury spa and restaurants serving Chinese, Japanese and European cuisines. starwoodhotels.com

66

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

Yokohama, Japan

Yokohama is more like a twin sister than a regular sister city of San Diego. It has a busy seaport, a famous zoo and a marine theme park — and it’s homebase for the U.S. Navy’s Seventh Fleet. The futuristic skyline of Minato Mirai 21 dominates downtown Yokohama, with the towering Cosmo Clock Ferris Wheel standing as a must-do attraction. But the city has plenty of quirky things, too, like the Cup Noodles Museum, the world’s tallest lighthouse and Japan’s largest Chinatown. Plus, Tokyo is half an hour away by bullet train.

Where to Stay: InterContinental Yokohama Grand — InterCon Suites, located on floors 27-29, offer sweeping views across Yokohama city and Tokyo Bay. interconti.co.jp

january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

67

o c a J

68

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

b

’s

L

r a

t

t

e

Former NFL star Jacob Bell makes a fresh start

By Tony Lovitt | Photos by Sara Norris

ike many San Diegans, Jacob Bell was shocked when, on May 2, 2012, he learned legendary Chargers linebacker Junior Seau had taken his own life at his home in Oceanside. Six days later, after much introspection, Bell made a huge, life-altering decision, the most difficult one of his life.

He quit his job — as an offensive lineman in the National Football League.

“I was in Los Angeles with my friends, and it was just terrible news,” says Bell, 34, now the owner of SOL CAL Café, a quick-service vegan restaurant in East Village (910 J Street; solcal.com). “[Seau’s death] affected me a lot. It made me wake up a little bit, I guess, and made me kind of re-evaluate some things.”

By hanging up his cleats about a month after signing a one-year free-agent deal with the Cincinnati Bengals, Bell was saying goodbye to millions of dollars and a high-profile career doing something he had loved since he was a fifth-grader in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. He had been looking forward to playing in his home state once again, with his adoring family and friends only a car ride away.

“It’s a leap. Everything changes. I mean, you go from being a football player your whole life to not being a football player,” Bell says. “Football was always my identity, and my identity was going to change overnight, so it was a big move.”

By then, Bell had already played eight seasons at left guard in the NFL, with the Tennessee Titans (2004-2007) and the St. Louis Rams (2008-2011). Prior to the NFL, he played high school football in Cleveland for the nationally renowned St. Ignatius Wildcats. He went on to a stellar collegiate career at Miami University of Ohio, where his quarterback was Ben Roethlisberger, who now plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

69

At 6’5” and 305 pounds, Bell was big and strong enough to bench-press a Volkswagen bus and almost fast enough to outrun one (he could run 40 yards in 4.98 seconds). But no one plays nearly two decades of high-level football, including 109 NFL games (100 as a starter), and comes away from it physically unscathed.

No one.

G . Norma n Lo w ra n ce

70

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

“I’ve had eight surgeries altogether… two in college, six in the NFL [including one following a rookie-year injury that nearly ended his career],” says Bell. “It just came to be a part of the job, you know?”

Money, of course, was also a consideration. After starting in all 16 regular-season games for the Tennessee Titans in 2007 (as well as in the Titans’ loss to the Chargers in an AFC Wild Card playoff game), he signed his biggest contract: a six-year, $36 million deal with the St. Louis Rams.

“But, for me, in my last opportunity to play [with the Cincinnati Bengals], the risk and reward just didn’t really match,” says Bell, who reveals that the death of Seau, whom he had met and played against, might have been the tipping point. “I just felt that I had been through enough. I [had] had a couple of concussions. I didn’t want to risk getting any more surgeries.”

Concussion, a new film starring Will Smith, sheds light on the health issues NFL players face during and after their careers. Having consulted with numerous physicians in trying to determine how head injuries he sustained while playing professional football may impact the rest of his life, Bell says he can relate to themes addressed in the movie.

“I’ve had brain scans and seen psychiatrists,” he says. “What football players call ‘getting your bell rung’ [which means hitting your head hard] is actually a euphemism for brain trauma. It’s pretty scary stuff, to be honest.”

For many players, including Bell, the quality of life after football may stem directly from injuries that occurred on the field, the most devastating of which may remain invisible without a CAT scan or similarly elaborate and expensive testing. According to

january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

71

Bell and Concussion, however, navigating the NFL’s guidelines for medical-treatment reimbursement can be daunting to say the least.

Having developed a fondness for San Diego while training here during the offseason since 2007, Bell moved to the city after ending his football career. In October 2014, he opened SOL CAL Café, which he owns and operates with his cousin, Thomas McCann, a personal chef and nutritionist.

“We just really knew there’s a trend in the healthy-living, healthyeating, natural-foods, natural-everything market,” says Bell, whose family owned and operated an Italian restaurant in Cleveland for 50 years. “It took us a good two years to get the project going, find a location and consult a chef [Anne Thornton]. We definitely did our research.”

The payoff has been at least twofold: business is booming for SOL CAL, the healthy cuisine from which has — with the help of regular yoga sessions and long walks — helped Bell trim down to 225

72

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

pounds... 80 pounds lighter than he was when he was battling opposing defensive linemen.

“Yeah, I take advantage of it, man,” Bell says.

“Our smoothie list is organic, it’s super foods.

We make all our own juices here. We’re gonna do some cleanses. We have a full menu of salads, sandwiches and soups, and we also do açai bowls and some breakfast items as well, that are really popular.”

Bell says the gluten-free waffles and avocado toast are among his customers’ favorite menu items at SOL CAL. “It’s looking good; we are very happy with the support so far,” he says. “We have quite a following on social media, and just to be able to do the ins and outs of operating a business and making it better and all that kind of fun stuff is very rewarding.”

Jacob’s ladder, in the Bible, is a stairway to heaven. For Jacob Bell, a meteoric ascent to the pinnacle of professional sports ended with his coming back to Earth. Today, he’s living in paradise, taking care of his mind, body and… SOL.

No Strain, No Gain An NFL star finds greener grass off the field

By Tony Lovitt Wracked with pain; tormented by homicidal and suicidal thoughts; and suffering from depression, anxiety, acute sensitivity to light and sleep disorder — all exacerbated by the cocktail of painkillers and psychotropic drugs he took to ameliorate his symptoms — former San Diego State University and NFL star offensive lineman Kyle Turley was desperate for relief.

“The years of [prescription drug] use started to manifest in very negative ways,” says Turley, a resident of Riverside who was a Consensus All-American at SDSU and the first-round draft choice (seventh overall) of the New Orleans Saints in 1998.

Turley, 40, says he started using prescription medications for footballrelated injuries in 1996, his sophomore year at SDSU, when he blew out a knee for the first time. It began what he says was a lengthy addiction to the prescription pharmaceuticals he took to deal with the aftermath of multiple injuries and surgeries, plus the effects of what he estimates to be 100 concussions — which the 6’5”, 300-pound tackle amassed as a collegian and during nine NFL seasons in the trenches for the Saints, Rams and Chiefs.

“A 20-year-plus relationship with pharmaceuticals sent me on this path to realize there’s a better life to be had than the one I [was] currently living,” he says.

The life-changing ingredient, Turley says, was cannabis.

He says he discovered the therapeutic benefits of marijuana in 1999, his second season with the Saints. About nine months ago, he stopped using prescription pharmaceuticals altogether and now uses only cannabis to deal with his health issues.

“Since being completely free from [pharmaceuticals], I’ve noticed a night-and-day difference in cognitive activity,” he says. “There are certain [cannabis] strains that I cannot do without. This has totally changed my life.”

Hopeful of helping others football players enjoy similar results, Turley founded the San Diego-based Gridiron Cannabis Coalition (gridironcannabis.com) and says its national base is growing.

“Our purpose is to legalize marijuana in America; use our voices to help continue to promote the benefits of cannabis for our community,” he says. “I wish I knew then what I know now, because I would still be playing football. There’s no doubt about that.”

january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

73

TASTe

DINING OUT 74 Dining OUT 84 what’s cooking 88 beer 90 drink 94

Quinoa-Sweet Potato Loaf at Urban Solace in North Park.

Where to enjoy delicious food that won’t go to waist

By Erin Jackson

The start of a new year is perfect timing for a revamp, whether it’s something significant, like pledging to eat better, or a minor — yet equally crucial — upgrade, like rethinking a hairstyle choice (the man bun isn’t for everyone, guys). cont. on page 76

ERIN JACKSON

74

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

75

TAST E

DINING OUT cont. from page 74

B

efore you resign yourself to a bland regimen of steamed vegetables and skinless chicken, take a good look at these 10 healthy dishes found at restaurants throughout the city, including better-for-you versions of fat-kid food favorites like pizza, tacos and tortas that make it easy to strike a bargain with a growling stomach and your common sense.

(Pictured on previous page)

Quinoa-Sweet Potato Loaf at Urban Solace 3823 30th St., North Park 619.295.6464, urbansolace.net One look at this delightful vegetarian dish ringed with tart and tangy pomegranate glaze is enough to reveal it’s making an honest effort to be healthy without going crazy. Sure, it’s plant-based — and the combo of sweet potato, quinoa and garbanzo beans delivers a mega boost of beta-carotene along with vitamin C and D, protein, magnesium and fiber — but it’s also topped with a pat of compound butter and served with crispy onions and Yukon Gold Jojos (fried potato wedges), securing its place in the comfort-food camp.

Breakfast Risotto at Rustic Root 535 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp 619.232.1747, rusticroot.com Super-sized doses of fiber and protein make this healthy dish, made with ancient grains and leafy greens, a smart choice to reset the system. Underneath two perfectly poached eggs, there’s farro, red quinoa, mushrooms and kale just waiting to be drenched with warm and runny yolk. Stab the eggs, swirl everything together and dig in on Rustic Root’s rooftop, where the view is as invigorating as what comes out of chef Antonio Friscia’s kitchen.

ABOVE: SOL CAL Café’s Breakfast Burrito.

LEFT: Breakfast Risotto at Rustic Root.

76

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

Breakfast Burrito at Sol Cal Café 910 J St., East Village 619.255.2927, solcal.com Filling and nutritious ingredients like savory ground veggie burger, black beans and mashed sweet potato make Sol Cal’s breakfast burrito function more like a breakfast and lunch burrito. Instead of heaps of cheese and gobs of crema, it’s made with lowfat but equally delicious vegan cheddar and chipotle mayo substitutes. The handheld meal is perfectly tasty in its own right. To elevate the crave-worthy morning nosh, smear on some of the cool and chunky guac served on the side. cont. on page 78 january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

77

TAST E

DINING OUT cont. from page 77

Power Frittata at Bottega Americano

CLOCKWISE (from above): Bottega Americano’s Power Frittata; Wagyu Beef Carpaccio at Catania; Vitality Tap’s Flexin’ Smoothie.

1195 Island Ave., East Village 619.255.7800, bottegaamericano.com Often overshadowed by their more indulgent, hollandaise-sauce-drenched cousins (eggs Benedict), frittatas deserve a second look. The wholesome version served at Bottega Americano is made with a light and fluffy mound of baked egg whites prepared with five-herb pesto, mozzarella cheese and quinoa, and crowned with oven-roasted tomatoes and a side salad’s worth of arugula. For bonus points, go with fresh fruit instead of potatoes on the side… and then immediately cash in those points for a Nutella crispy bar or other sweet treat from the dessert display.

Flexin’ Smoothie at Vitality Tap 650 First Ave., Marina District 619.237.7625 5980 Village Way, Carmel Valley 858.925.7030, vitalitytap.com This thick and creamy smoothie satisfies like a milkshake, but — thanks to nutrient-rich ingredients like sprouted almond milk, dates, banana, almond butter, chocolate protein, cacao and maca — it’s a much healthier way to go. The recommended boost, a dash of Madagascar vanilla, is palate-pleasing, but green coffee is a great pick for adding an energy spike to the protein-and-fiber fuel-up.

78

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

Wagyu Beef Carpaccio at Catania 7863 Girard Ave., Ste. 301, La Jolla 858.551.5105, cataniasd.com Steak is undeniably delectable, but it’s difficult to argue the health benefits of inhaling a fatty slab of beef and all of the necessary sides (like a Caesar salad and sour-creamdrenched baked potato, for starters). Instead, get friendly with this striking plate from Catania, featuring three ounces of Wagyu top sirloin, sliced razor-thin and served with pickled shallots, shaved parmesan and leafy greens topped with a dash of creamy chili vinaigrette. It pings the same pleasure sensors as carving into a T-bone, only with a much lower caloric payload. cont. on page 80

Ocean Views... as far as the eye can sea.

RESTAURANT WINE BAR

D E L I V E R Y

Outstanding oceanfront dining in the heart of Del Mar. Since 1968.

Poseidon on the beach 1670 Coast Blvd., Del Mar | (858) 755-9345 | poseidonrestaurant.com

A V A I L A B L E

V E G E T A R I A N

F R I E N D L Y

“BEST THAI” 2013 San Diego Home/Garden Magazine

DOWNTOWN (EAST VILLAGE) 906 Market St. San Diego, CA 92101

HAPPY HOUR Mon. - Fri. 5pm - 7pm Sat. & Sun. 12pm - 7pm Lunch Specials Mon. - Fri.

HILLCREST 3761 6th Ave. San Diego, CA 92103

LOTUSTHAISD.COM

619.595.0115

619.299.8272

OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER

january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

79

TAST E

DINING OUT cont. from page 78

ABOVE: Build-your-own veggie pizza at Urban Pi. BELOW: Yo Soy Fuerte at Café Gratitude.

Build Your Own Vegetable-Loaded Pizza at Urban Pi 2673 Via De La Valle, Del Mar 858.792.8000, urbanpi.com Pizza is rarely categorized as a health food, but pies topped with mountains of fresh vegetables are a different story. This fast-casual, design-your-own-pizza place offers 17 vegetable options including shaved Brussels sprouts, roasted broccolini and marinated artichokes. Since all pizzas are the same price regardless of how many toppings are heaped on top, there’s no reason to hold back. Add a sunny-side-up organic egg and pesto drizzle to make the meal come full-circle.

Yo Soy Fuerte (Spanish for “I am strong”) at Café Gratitude 1980 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy 619.736.5077, cafegratitude.com When craving a torta and looking to cut back on calories, this vegan victor is the winning choice.

Its tempeh chorizo is nice and spicy; additions like cilantro pumpkin seed pesto, avocado and a trio of tasty sauces (chipotle cashew crema, salsa verde and roasted tomatillo) introduce contrasting temperatures and textures to keep things interesting.

Instead of fries, the standard and definitely-notgood-for-you torta accompaniment, it’s served with Mexican coleslaw and spicy pickled vegetables. cont. on page 82

80

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

TAST E

DINING OUT cont. from page 80

789 W Harbor Dr., Ste. 155, Marina District 619.233.8880 1026 Wall St., La Jolla, 858.454.1260, eatpuesto.com Carne asada tacos are delicious, but, when looking to trim back on fat and sodium, this vegan alternative is a worthy stand-in. The culinary collaboration by Puesto’s chef Luisteen Gonzales and San Diego singer-songwriter Tristan Prettyman stars charred cauliflower florets, avocado, pickled carrot and a generous dollop of chili-almond “crema” on a blue corn tortilla. Since a portion of sales from each taco supports the Olivewood Gardens & Learning Center in National City, eating well has never felt better.

ABOVE: Coliflor Asada Veg tacos at Puesto.

RIGHT: Tajima’s vegan ramen.

82

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

ERIN JACKSON

Coliflor Asada Veg Taco at Puesto

Vegan Ramen at Tajima 3739 Sixth Ave., Ste. B, Hillcrest 619.269.5050 901 E St., East Village 619.431.5820 4681 Convoy St., Kearny Mesa 858.576.7244 4411 Mercury St., Ste.110, Kearny Mesa 858.278.5367 tajimasandiego.com This four-location mini chain recently debuted a new vegan ramen, featuring a rich and satisfying vegetable broth (bolstered by a splash of soymilk) that’s lower in fat and sodium than the traditional pork broth.

Toothsome additions like sweet corn, steamed asparagus, garlicsesame oil and crispy cubes of fried tofu make it a deserving compromise.

TAST E

DINING OUT

84

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

Meating Place

Where to make the ultimate French connection

By David Nelson | Photos by Kate and Michael Auda

ot game? If not, go see Patrick Ponsaty. Venison and wild boar trot across his menu nightly at Bellamy’s Restaurant in downtown Escondido, where selections from the wild, including California squab (tastes like dark chicken), will be served through the end of March.

Developing wildly delicious flavors requires masterful preparation, and cooking game with expertise and imagination is part of Ponsaty’s culinary inheritance. Like a magician brewing a perfect potion, he knows when tossing an extra juniper berry into a fragrant pot of civet de sanglier (boar stew) would be adding one too many.

A fifth-generation French chef from Cazeres, a village 30 miles south of Toulouse and two hours from the Pyrenees, Ponsaty started cooking as a child. His bedroom was above the kitchen of the family restaurant, Le Cochon de Lait (The Suckling Pig), which no longer exists but enjoyed a reputation across France for precisely presented classic dishes and many house specialties. During the cold months, these included ultra-savory renditions of the gibier (beasts and birds) brought to the back door by neighborhood hunters.

“In France, game is available always in winter,” says Ponsaty. “Virtually every restaurant, Michelin-rated or not, serves venison, wild duck, wild boar, wild hare and becasse,” a prized game bird known in English as “woodcock.”

His father cooked proprietary recipes of all of these, often as longsimmered stews with subtle yet explosive flavors exemplifying “savory.”

Becasse is Ponsaty’s favorite.

“It’s the best thing I ever put in my mouth,” he says. “You even cut the head in half and eat the brains. I also would like to cook wild hare, but it’s very hard to find.”

The bird Ponsaty presents most often at Bellamy’s is squab, a wild pigeon he prefers because “it’s more gamey” than domesticated fowl, and thus more engaging in taste. He roasts the squab to a medium-rare finish and sends it out in a copper skillet, which the server carefully positions with the handle turned 90 degrees to the right, to keep the diner from interacting with the red-hot pan. Underneath the squab, a rich sauce packed with minced black truffles suavely greases a path to heaven. The vegetables, as is typical for Ponsaty, are like edible jewels. His juniperbraised boar, hand-shredded and baked with pasta under a soufflé-like cont. on page 86 Parmesan sauce, is another bestseller.

Grilled venison chops at Bellamy’s Restaurant in Escondido.

january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

85

TAST E

DINING OUT cont. from page 85

he chef learned his profession as a kitchen drudge assigned tasks deemed manageable by a 10-year-old, a role common in French family restaurants.

“I made French fries, cleaned escargots — thousands and thousands of escargots — roasted chickens and prepped sacks of onions and garlic,” he says.

About those snails: “Andre Ponsaty Escargot” are the lead appetizer on Bellamy’s dinner menu, and they’re not the standard version with garlic butter. Dressed with wild mushrooms, chestnuts and a Marsala sauce, they’re uptown snails styled with down-home trimmings.

The upside to working as a youngster in the family business in France was weekly winter fun in the mountains, fueled by a special lunch packed by his father, the fourth-generation chef in la famille Ponsaty.

“I used to ski every Wednesday morning in the Pyranees when I was a kid in school,” Ponsaty says. “The whole school, 40 kids, would get on the bus very early. My father always made me a sandwich stuffed with foie gras.”

When Ponsaty turned 18, France still required all men to perform military service. So, as an already-experienced chef, he was assigned “to cook lobsters for lunch for five-star generals, and then go surfing” on the French Polynesian island of Muraroa.

Tiny French villages often dispatch talented offspring to big jobs around the world. Ponsaty’s career, for example, has taken him from Michelin-starred restaurants in various corners of France and Spain to the Caribbean, New York (where he worked for Jean-Michel Diot, now proprietor of La Jolla’s Bistro du Marche by Tapenade), and on to San Diego, where he helmed several high-profile restaurants before landing in downtown Escondido. (Apparently, Gallic guys like cities this size: three blocks away from Bellamy’s, Ponsaty’s fellow Frenchman, Arles-born Vincent Grumel, operates the charming Vincent’s on Grand Avenue.)

After closing for remodeling for a few days in January, Bellamy’s will reopen with new surroundings including a six-person chef’s table. Dining possibilities will encompass multi-course menus of game dishes, cheese and fanciful desserts, such as the newly introduced salted caramel cake. A kind of stiff mousse with candied hazelnuts and persimmon, it’s the sort of magical sweet a 10-year-old sleeping above a French restaurant kitchen likely would dream of.

Bellamy’s Restaurant 417 W Grand Ave., Escondido 760.747.5000, bellamysdining.com

86

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

FROM TOP: Roasted California squab at Bellamy’s; French Master Chef Patrick Ponsaty; Bellamy’s baby beets and baked goat cheese.

...as an already-experienced chef, he was assigned “to cook lobsters for lunch for five-star generals, and then go surfing” on the French Polynesian island of Muraroa.

TAST E

Popped

DINING OUT

New-age salutes to kernels

Recipe and photos by Brandon Matzek

W

ith weeks of holiday decadence finally coming to a close, new diets are blowing up.

In keeping with that trend and exploding with flavor are these satisfying varieties of homemade popcorn, a low-cal snack (when prepared properly*) that can be worked into any meal plan.

To make popcorn on the stovetop, combine 2 tablespoons of oil, 1/2 cup of corn kernels and a pinch of kosher salt in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook covered until the kernels pop, shaking occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once the popping slows to several seconds between pops, remove the pan from the heat and dump the popcorn into a large bowl. This will produce the 8 cups of hot popcorn needed for each recipe below.

*FAT CHANCE

According to MyFitnessPal, an online calorie-counter by Under Armour, a large buttered popcorn at AMC Theatres has 1,030 calories and 35 grams of saturated fat. It has no sugar, though, so… still don’t eat one.

88

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

TRUFFLE PECORINO Ingredients 2 1/2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted 2 tsp. truffle oil 8 cups hot popcorn 2 tbsp. freshly grated Pecorino cheese Truffle salt (or kosher salt) Freshly ground black pepper Process Mix together butter and truffle oil in a small bowl, then drizzle over hot popcorn while tossing. Top with grated Pecorino cheese. Season to taste with truffle salt and freshly ground black pepper.

SRIRACHA LIME Ingredients 3 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted 2 tbsp. Sriracha (garlic chili sauce) 3/4 tsp. lime zest 1 1/2 tsp. lime juice 8 cups hot popcorn Kosher salt Process Whisk together butter, Sriracha, lime zest and lime juice in a small bowl, and set aside. Add hot popcorn to a large bowl and drizzle with Sriracha butter while tossing. Season to taste with kosher salt. This variation is more on the wet side (think buffalo popcorn), so it’s best enjoyed immediately.

Culture

ROSEMARY BROWN BUTTER Ingredients 3 tbsp. unsalted butter 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary 1/2 tsp. lemon zest 8 cups hot popcorn Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper Process Warm butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. The butter will melt, then foam and bubble, then begin to brown. You will notice little brown bits forming at the bottom of the pan. Stir frequently during this process and keep your attention on the pot. The butter can go from wonderfully brown to burnt in just a few moments. You will know the butter is done when it gives off a nutty aroma and turns a golden brown (about 5 minutes). Stir in the rosemary and lemon zest, then pour over hot popcorn while tossing. Season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

E asy

fol

R

lowecipe me!

HAPPY VEGAN Ingredients 2 tbsp. nutritional yeast 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste 3/4 tsp. sugar 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper 8 cups hot popcorn 3 tbsp. olive oil

MEXICAN Ingredients 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese Zest of 2 limes 8 cups hot popcorn 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted 2 tbsp. chopped cilantro Ground ancho chile, for sprinkling Kosher salt

Process Mix nutritional yeast, garlic powder, cumin, salt, sugar and cayenne pepper in a small bowl and set aside. Add hot popcorn to a large bowl, then drizzle with olive oil while tossing. Top with yeast-spice blend (not all of it will be used).

Season to taste with kosher salt.

Process Mix cotija and lime zest in a small bowl and set aside. Add hot popcorn to a large bowl, then drizzle with melted butter while tossing.

Top with cotjia cheese, chopped cilantro and a sprinkling of ground ancho chile. Season to taste with kosher salt. january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

89

TAST E

BEER

Take It from the Tap A monthly taste of beer from here

By Brandon Hernández

COMING TO A HEAD What’s new in brew or coming soon

Bear Roots Brewing Company Twenty years ago, Ballast Point Brewing started as a small operation out of the back of a home-brew shop.

In November, that company sold for a billion dollars. It’s unlikely Terry and Page Little’s story will end that way, but the owners of Vista’s Home Brew Supply have added this on-site brewery, providing beers (which currently include a pale ale, Scotch ale and bourbon-barrel-aged high-gravity Belgian ale) to inspire people to go beyond drinking beer and try their hands at creating their own ales and lagers.

1213 S. Santa Fe Ave., Vista, brbrewco.com

Pure Project Brewing The trio behind this project aims to give the world more than just good beer.

Set up as a One Percent for the Planet company, Pure Project Brewing will donate a portion of proceeds from sales of its Pure Project beers — which will be composed chiefly of beers infused with myriad exotic herbs and produce, including San Diego’s first dragon fruit brew — to local environmental initiatives.

That alone is a great reason to check out this new interest, which is scheduled to open in January at H.G. Fenton’s new Brewery Igniter complex in the heart of “Beeramar.”

9030 Kenamar Dr., Ste. 308, Miramar, purebrewing.org cont. on page 92

90

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

TAST E

BEER cont. from page 90

lets go to the hops January beer events

Jan. 18 | The Bruery / Juniper & Ivy Beer Dinner

Jan. 30 | The Lost Abbey Extravaganza Few breweries are able to deliver on so many beer fronts — whether it’s a big, bitter double IPA; a mouth-puckering sour ale; or brawny, barrel-aged beaut’ — but The Lost Abbey (along with its sister operations, Port Brewing Co. and The Hop Concept) has mastered them all. Taste for yourself and take home a swank, long-stemmed commemorative glass to prove you were there.

Urge Gastropub, 16761 Bernardo Center Dr., Rancho Bernardo, urgegastropub.com, 11:30 a.m.

92

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

cambriia griffit h

The Cork and Craft (R.B.’s most avant-garde eatery) is welcoming guest chefs from Juniper & Ivy (perhaps San Diego’s most cuttingedge restaurant) to work their magic, conjuring dishes to pair with decadent beers from The Cork and Craft’s in-house Abnormal Beer Co. and O.C. brewing powerhouse The Bruery.

Come hungry and prepared for beer-and-food pairings built to challenge and harmonize. The Cork and Craft, 16990 Via Tazon, Ste. 123, Rancho Bernardo, thecorkandcraft.com, 6 p.m.

DO ME A FLAVOR

New beers to cheers

Bay City San Diego Experimental Pale Ale The head brewer at Valley View Casino Center-adjacent Bay City Brewing Company, Chris West got started in the industry when working with long-time brew-bud Cosimo Sorrentino at East Village brewpub Monkey Paw. While there, the duo crafted a highly hopped, awardwinning “San Diego Pale Ale” built to embody everything great about the local brewing scene. Now that he’s on his own and calling the shots, West has invented his own take on the SDPA, a masterpiece exploding with hop-borne flavors of melon and stone fruit.

3760 Hancock St., Point Loma, baycitybrewingco.com

Green Flash Hop Odyssey Pacific Gem Single Hop Pale Ale For the fourth year, rapidly growing Green Flash Brewing Company is embarking on a “Hop Odyssey,” brewing a series of beers whose familial status is based on hops. This year, those potent little green buds will be utilized one-at-a-time to create single-hop pale ales that exemplify what each hop has to offer from an aromatic and flavor standpoint. First up is this refreshing, woody jewel of a pale based on the New Zealand-cultivated Pacific Gem hop.

6550 Mira Mesa Blvd., Mira Mesa, greenflashbrew.com

meet your maker

L

ast year, Indian Joe Brewing disappeared from the Vista brewing scene despite having amassed a sizeable cult following.

No, brewmeister Max Moran didn’t Brewmaster Q&A run low on passion or capital — he with Max Moran ran out of time with his landlord.

Owner and brewmaster, Rather than rush into whatever space he could find after closing the Indian Joe Brewing only place his young nano-brewery had ever called home, he spent the majority of 2015 entertaining offers from San Diego County municipalities eager to lure him to their area.

In the end, he decided to return to Vista, taking over a much larger facility right off State Route 78, which will allow Indian Joe to climb the entrepreneurial totem pole to levels heretofore unreached.

Brandon Hernández: When and where will Indian Joe resurface?

MAX MORAN: We hope to reopen the first quarter of this year in our new place, which is awesome. We are right on the Hop Highway, in a two-story space that’s five times as large as our last location.

Guests who frequented our last location can expect the same kind of experience, plus growlers and bottles. For those who never had the chance, they can expect amazing beers, great ambience and a comfortable atmosphere with seating both indoors and out, plus food.

What are some of the advantages of the new space?

The ability to produce beer on a larger scale so that we can sell it to-go. Back at the old place, we’d have tapped out of most of our beers way too quickly if we’d offered any in growlers. But now, we’re brewing on an over-sized, 15-barrel brew system, so we can sell takehome beer. Also, fans of the brewery will be able to find our beer ontap at selective local eateries and liquor stores.

PA U L B O D Y

What sorts of beers will you have on tap when you open?

We plan on having more than 28 taps featuring our India pale ales, red ales, stouts, sours, wheat beers, pumpkin ales, barrel-aged beers, glutenfree beers and some other unique beers, too. Our aim is to have something for everyone.

With San Diego County as your oyster, and municipalities vying to get you to their communities, what led you back to Vista?

I am a Luiseno Indian. My family originated from this area and, plain and simple, Vista is a great community. Kevin Ham from the city’s Economic Development Department is who really kept us here, though. He has worked really hard to put Vista on the map, and a big part of that includes his work with local brewing companies.

Speaking of your heritage, how did you come up with the company’s name?

Growing up, I remember hearing stories of my uncle, “Indian Joe.” In the early 1900s, my uncle would brew his own beer with native ingredients like sage, elderberries, oats and buckwheat.

My grandma and aunt remember hearing him popping bottles during Prohibition. He died before I was born, but I named my brewery Indian Joe in honor of him, a man I would love to have known.

Indian Joe Brewing 2123 Industrial Ct., Vista 760.295.3945, indianjoebrewing.com

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 beer-centric 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.

january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

93

TAST E

Drink

Liquid Assets

A healthy dose of elixir helps keep business flowing for local deli

By Michael Benninger | Photos by Sara Norris

F

or years, Rubicon Deli has been one of the best spots in the city to score top-shelf, locally sourced sandwiches, soups and salads (not to mention a decadent selection of craveable cookies). But there’s another reason to swing by this suave and swanky sandwich shop: Rubicon now offers one of the world’s healthiest libations at the pull of a lever.

Kombucha, for those not in-the-know, is a fizzy, fermented tea famed for its abundant health benefits. And although Rubicon has sold bottles of the probiotic tonic for years, the distinctly dapper deli now has the effervescent drink on tap, making it even easier to enjoy the rewards kombucha has to offer.

“Eighty percent of your immune system is located in your gut,” says Rubicon co-owner Evan Corsiglia. “Kombucha is full of probiotics, which are good for your gut and help keep you from getting sick. It’s a much healthier alternative to soda, plus it’s the fastest-growing health beverage on the market today. We’re glad to be a part of that.”

While kombucha may seem like a relatively new way to quench your thirst, it has actually existed for ages.

“It’s been said the Japanese Samurai warriors often carried kombucha tea in their hip flasks to replenish their energy levels during battle,” Corsiglia says.

Oceanside-based distributor Kombucha On Tap provides Rubicon’s two locations (Mission Beach and Mission Hills) with kegs of the drink, which comes in a variety of styles from a multitude of brewers.

“We rotate our flavors constantly,” says Corsiglia. “We like to serve GT’s Trilogy, which is the top selling flavor in the nation, and probably the world for that matter, but we offer many other brews as well.” So far, Rubicon’s customers have been lapping it up.

“Some days, we sell more kombucha than beer,” Corsiglia says.

Beginning in January, both Rubicons will open at 8 a.m., serving breakfast sandwiches (and, no doubt, kombuchas) to early-ish risers.

Also on tap for the company in the coming year: a third store, set to open in UTC in February.

“We will have have a larger tap system there,” Corsiglia says, “so you can expect to see more kombucha, kefir sodas and cold-brewed superfood coffees.”

Rubicon Deli 3715 India St., Mission Hills 3819 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach UTC / La Jolla (Opening in February) rubicondeli.com 94

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

“It’s been said the Japanese Samurai warriors often carried kombucha tea in their hip flasks to replenish their energy levels during battle.”

GROOVE

sound decisions 96 spin cycle 102 bartender 104

@ SDSU’s Viejas Arena, as.sdsu.edu T im C adie n te

The three-time Grammy Award-winning progressive metal outfit stops in America’s Finest for back-to-back shows at SDSU during its one-month U.S. tour with alt. rock openers Primus. Tool also plans to release a new, to-be-titled album sometime in 2016, which will be the band’s first since 2006’s 10,000 Days. cont. on page 98

96

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

Heal.

THC and CBD, the medicinal and curative chemicals that occur naturally in the cannabis plant, are available to patients in a variety of preparations, including all-natural honey. At Point Loma Patients Consumer Co-op, we specialize in meeting our patients healthcare needs by providing them with the highest-quality medicinal strains of cannabis in natural form, concentrates, vape pens, edibles (sweet and savory selections) and a variety of other preparations. Visit our doctor’s-office-like setting in Point Loma, or let us deliver your marijuana medication directly to you, promptly and discreetly. Point Loma Patients Consumer Co-op, helping San Diegans heal… naturally.

P O I N T L O M A C O - O P • 3 4 5 2 H A N C O C K S T. • S A N D I E G O , C A 9 2 1 1 0 • 6 1 9 . 5 7 4 . 0 4 1 5 • P L P C C . O R G

groove

sound decisions cont. from page 96

SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN january CONCERT calendar

1.11 Keith Anderson

By Catlin Dorset

@ Tin Roof San Diego, tinroofsandiego.com

1/1-2: Nahko and Medicine for the People

Country Okie most known for hits “Pickin’ Wild Flowers” (2004), “Every Time I Hear Your Name” (2006) and “I Still Miss You” (2008).

@ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com This world music group’s international Winter Tour runs through March.

1/7: Mike Portnoy @ Ramona Mainstage, ramonamainstage.com This progressive metal drummer and vocalist co-founded ’80s rock band Dream Theater.

1/7: Muse @ Valley View Casino Center, valleyviewcasioncenter.com These alt. rockers rescheduled their local December 16 show to this night in January after realizing how long it takes to build their huge stage set.

1/13: Dave Mason @ Music Box, musicboxsd.com Michael Jackson, Jimi Hendrix and Paul McCartney are among the stars with whom this Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has collaborated.

1/13: Reel Big Fish @ House of Blues, hob.com Ska rock sextuplet best known for its 1997 single “Sell Out.”

1.17 Tony Bennett

@ Pechanga Resort & Casino, pechanga.com Anthony Dominick Benedetto, aka Tony Bennett, recently starred opposite Lady Gaga in a Barnes and Noble commercial.

1.17

1/14: Blue Oyster Cult @ Sycuan Casino, sycuan.com This rock band’s biggest hit, “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” (1976), has been covered by artists including Goo Goo Dolls, Pierce the Veil and HIM.

1/15: The Expendables @ House of Blues, hob.com Four-piece reggae rock band out of Santa Cruz.

98

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

DeVotchKa @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com

Songs from this indie rock foursome were featured in a Season Four episode of Showtime’s Weeds.

1.20 Half Moon Run

@ The Casbah, casbahmusic.com In October, these Canadian indie rockers dropped their sophomore album, Sun Leads Me On.

D eVotc h K a p h oto b y G ary I ssacs ; ta l ib k w e l i p h oto b y D orot h y Ho n g ; stee l pa n t h er p h oto b y D av id Jackso n

1/15: John Anderson @ Ramona Mainstage, ramonamainstage.com In May, country singer-songwriter John Anderson dropped his 20th studio album, Goldmine.

1/16: Salt-N-Pepa with Spinderella @ Sycuan Casino, sycuan.com The hip-hop trio out of Queens, New York, recently starred in a GEICO commercial performing its mega-hit “Push It” (1986).

1/16: The Temptations @ Pala Casino, palacasino.com

1.22 talib kweli

@ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com Kanye West, John Legend and Mary J. Blige collaborated with this hiphopper on his The Beautiful Struggle album.

1.23

steel panther

@ House of Blues, hob.com

This hard rock foursome’s cover of Aldo Nova’s “Fantasy” is the opening theme song for the nowdefunct MTV show Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory.

Rolling Stone ranks this Motown band at No. 68 on its “100 Greatest Artists” list.

1/17: Tommy Emmanuel @ Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org In June, this folk music Aussie started his own record label, CGP Sounds.

1/17: Shooter Jennings @ Ramona Mainstage, ramonamainstage.com This country rock singer-songwriter is the son of country music icons Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter.

1/20: Itzhak Perlman @ Copley Symphony Hall, ljms.org In November, President Obama awarded Steven Spielberg, Yogi Berra, this classical music violinist and 14 others the 2015 Presidential Medal of Freedom.

1/21: The Adicts @ House of Blues, hob.com Punk rock outfit from across the pond.

1/22: Never Shout Never @ House of Blues, hob.com Indie rock trio headlining a U.S. tour with support from Metro Station, Waterparks and Jule Vera.

1/22: Kottonmouth Kings @ SOMA, somasandiego.com This rap/rock O.C. band dropped its new album, Krown Power, in August. cont. on page 100

january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

99

groove

sound decisions

1.29

cont. from page 99

G. Love and Special Sauce

@ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com

This alt. hip-hop duo was the house band for Comedy Central’s shortlived Turn Ben Stein On show.

1/24: Vanessa Carlton

1/26: Killing Joke

@ The Casbah, casbahmusic.com

@ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com

Pop songstress best known for her 2002 hit single, “A Thousand Miles.”

In October, these rockers dropped their new album, Pylon.

1/24: Europe @ Music Box, musicboxsd.com In September, these hard rockers appeared in a GEICO commercial, performing their big 1986 hit “The Final Countdown.”

1/24: Travis Tritt

1/28: Dustin Lynch @ House of Blues, hob.com Country singersongwriter and guitarist best known for songs “Cowboys and Angels” (2012), “Hell of a Night” (2014) and “Where It’s At” (2014).

@ Sycuan Casino, sycuan.com

1/29: Saving Abel

This Grammy Awardwinning country star has appeared on TV shows Tales from the Crypt, King of the Hill and The Girls Next Door.

@ Brick by Brick, brickbybrick.com

1/25: Granger Smith

Southern rock quintet out of Corinth, Mississippi.

1/30: R5

@ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com

@ Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org

Texan country music singer-songwriter Granger Smith also goes by the name Earl Dibbles Jr. — his redneck alter ego.

Siblings Ross, Riker, Rocky and Rydel Lynch, along with Ellington Ratliff, compose this pop rock group.

1/25: 1349

1/31: Donny Osmond

@ Brick by Brick, brickbybrick.com

@ Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org

Norwegian metalers on the Chaos Raids tour with Tombs and Full of Hell.

In 2009, this pop rocker won Season Nine of Dancing with the Stars.

100

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

superbowl SPEND YOUR

AT TIN ROOF

25 Big Screen TV's

Giant Projector With Sound

100 oz Beer Towers

Raffle Prizes Every Quarter

All You Can Eat Nachos

Live Music After The Game

401 G St • Table reservations: kaylyn@tinroofbars.com

“Probably the BEST Bar in the World.”

- Christian Niehus

“My BEST spot! Entertainment like Vegas! Always my go-to place.” - Shana Pennington “BEST way to spend a birthday!!! Would go again and again!!” - Amy Royalty “The BEST F&#@ing time I’ve ever had!” - B. W. “I LOVE THIS PLACE SO DAMN MUCH.” - Kirsten S.

THANK YOU !!!

DUELING PIANOS 7 NIGHTS A WEEK 655 4TH AVE, GASLAMP QUARTER // WWW.THESHOUTHOUSE.COM/SD // 619.231.6700 // #SHOUTHOUSE

january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

101

groove

SPIN CYCLE

take a

S P IN EDM & g n Upcomi nces t DJ performa rs tlin Do e

By Ca

1.9

Manufactured Superstars

@ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com Tiësto, Katy Perry and Calvin Harris are among the artists for whom these EDMers have remixed tracks.

1/1: The Chainsmokers

1/21: Cosmic Gate

1/24: Destructo

1/29: Treasure Fingers

@ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com

@ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com

@ Quartyard, quartyardsd.com

@ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com

In December, this electro house duo performed its new single, “Roses,” on The Late Late Show with James Corden.

Germans Claus Terhoeven and Stefan Bossems compose this progressive trance twosome.

In 2014, Rolling Stone ranked tech house DJ Gary Richards, aka Destructo, No. 25 on its “50 Most Important People in EDM” list.

House music DJ on his North American Nite Trips tour with Landis LaPace.

1/14: Kennedy Jones @ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com In 2012, this dubstep DJ collaborated with Borgore on a “Macarena” remix.

1/15: Tiësto @ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com Trance music producer Tijs Michiel Verwest, aka Tiësto, took home a golden gramophone at the 2015 Grammy Awards for his remix of John Legend’s “All of Me.” 102

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

1/22: Bassjackers @ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com In December, these house music remixers dropped their new single, “Rough,” featuring Reez.

1/23: Stafford Brothers

1/29: Grandtheft 1/28: Chromeo @ Parq Nightclub, parqsd.com Electro funk turntablists David Macklovitch (Dave 1) and Patrick Gemayel (P-Thugg) met in school in Montreal.

Rihanna, T.I. and Calvin Harris are a few of the big-name acts for whom this Canadian EDMer has remixed tracks.

1/30: EDX

@ FLUXX Nightclub, fluxxsd.com Electro house Aussies best known for their 2012 hit, “Hello,” featuring Lil Wayne and Christina Milian.

@ Parq Nightclub, parqsd.com

1/29: Gareth Emery @ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com In December, this trance producer released Electric for Life 2015, a collection of his best remixes from that year, plus new singles.

@ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com Maurizio Colella, aka EDX, is a progressive house musician from Zurich, Switzerland.

.

G RO OVE

BARTENDER

WITH BENEFITS The advantages of tapping into liquid salvation

By Michael Benninger | Photos by Kate and Michael Auda

C

o-owner of CH Projects’ Juice Saves in East Village, Lindsay Nader is originally from Los Angeles. She arrived on the local scene less than two years ago and has been crushing (and shredding and grinding) it ever since.

PacificSD: How did you get started making juice?

LINDSAY NADER: I was raised by two very health-conscious parents, so I always incorporated healthy habits into my life.

Working the majority of my twenties in the liquor industry, I felt compelled to promote the lifestyle even further. The schedules and demands of many professionals in my field include late nights and more drinking than one would like, leading me to notice that more and more beverage professionals were looking for tools to build a more balanced day-to-day life. I knew I was good at combining flavor from years of experience with cocktails and I had also messed around for years with home-juicing. So, I went for it. I was introduced to the gents at CH Projects, who were also looking to open a juice bar, and, luckily for me, it was a good match.

How would you describe Juice Saves?

Juice Saves is a 100-percent-organic, raw, vegan, cold-pressed juice bar.

The menu includes our amazing root, fruit, citrus and green juices, which are cold-pressed and have a nutritional fridge-life of three to four days. We make them fresh every day and fill up our grab-and-go fridge with two sizes: 12-ounce and 16-ounce. Juice Saves is so much more than just cold-pressed juice. Everything we make in-house is organic, raw and vegan, including our amazing blended drinks, many of which include a creamy housemade almond milk base. These blended drinks are protein-rich and a great snack or meal replacement. We also serve vegan snacks and grab-and-go salads, but our most popular, by far, are the morning bowls, including a classic açai bowl, as well as other bases like pitaya and dragon fruit, all topped with granola and fresh organic fruit. We also have cleanses, which are perfect for breaking up or ending the holiday season.

104

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

What’s your favorite Juice Saves juice?

I love the Mighty Healthy with kale, Swiss chard, cucumber, celery, parsley, lemon and ginger. It’s very low in sugar, the ginger wakes up my digestion and the lemons have an alkalizing property. It’s really refreshing, despite being super green-forward.

Which are Juice Saves’ most popular drinks?

Aloe Vera Wang is an all-time fave, with watermelon, cucumber, coconut water, mint tea and aloe vera juice. It’s pale pink and gorgeous to look at, so you are drinking with your eyes already. Plus, it’s our most hydrating drink, so it quenches thirst, cures a hangover and has a beautiful, crisp sweetness that even children will enjoy.

What are the biggest benefits to juice cleanses?

A juice cleanse can be beneficial for anyone. It’s like hitting a reset button for your body and mind. Although cleanses have a lot of physical benefits like resetting digestive health and breaking bad eating habits, I encourage our customers to really take time out from work and stress when cleansing to experience the mental and emotional benefits, as well.

What’s the best cleanse for detoxing after an indulgent holiday season?

I would recommend our new Refresh Cleanse, which is easily digestible, not too challenging as far as green-heavy juices and includes a protein-rich and satiating almond milk drink called Stay Golden. It goes above and beyond just the benefits of plain almond milk to include ginger and turmeric.

Can you share a story about how your juices have helped others?

I recently received a message from a woman planning to visit S.D. from another state. She wrote to us saying she is treating cancer with Gerson Therapy, a method I have been aware of for many years. She asked if we could work with her on bespoke organic juices while she was in town to make sure she was getting the nutrition she needed. It was really rewarding and touching to be able to help someone battle a disease as serious as cancer.

JUICE SAVES 631 Ninth Ave., East Village 619.255.COLD (2653), godblessjuice.com Insta: @juiceforpresident

COMMUNITY PROPERTY CH Projects’ popular venues are located in neighborhoods across the city Craft & Commerce, Little Italy: refined neighborhood eating Dover Honing Co., East Village: a community barbershop El Dorado, downtown: ode to the dive Fairweather, East Village: tropical gangsters Ironside, Little Italy: fish, oysters, other delights Juice Saves, East Village: organic cold-pressed juice Neighborhood, East Village: burgers, beer, booze Noble Experiment, East Village: cocktails and conversation Polite Provisions, University Heights: local tonics, elixirs, cures Rare Form, East Village: a god-fearing delicatessen Soda & Swine, Normal Heights and Point Loma: meatballs, soda, beer Underbelly, Little Italy: ramen, craft beer

january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

105

blind date

ICE TO MEET YOU, TWO A second chance at finding romance

By David Perloff | Photos by Brevin Blach | Matchmaking by Jessica Pelligra

L

ater this evening, blind daters Lindsay and Tellas will be slip-sliding away on an ice-skating rink. For now, they’re breaking the ice in the Epic Limo that’s minutes from dropping them off at downtown’s newly remodeled The Local Eatery & Drinking Hole. Before they arrive, let’s review their pre-date interviews.

Where are you from and where do you live now?

LINDSAY: I am from Alabama. I currently live in Little Italy.

TELLAS: I was born in St. Louis; grew up in northern California, Sacramento area. I live in downtown San Diego.

What do you do for a living?

LINDSAY: Speech-language pathologist, personal trainer, business owner.

TELLAS: I work in a gym and [the hospitality] industry.

What do you do for fun?

LINDSAY: Weightlift, dance, drink wine, hang out with friends, travel.

TELLAS: I like to be active and 106

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

work out. I enjoy being with my son. I enjoy movies, the beach and doing anything outside.

What are you best at?

LINDSAY: Juggling a very busy life.

TELLAS: Communication.

What do you suck at?

LINDSAY: Cardio. If I am running, then there is probably something or someone chasing me.

TELLAS: Math.

What are you looking for in a date, physically and/or otherwise?

LINDSAY: Tall, with darker features… and please bring some swag.

TELLAS: Tall, curvy, a good smile.

Describe your special brand of sex appeal in five words or less.

LINDSAY: Baby got back.

TELLAS: Strength, with a sensual touch.

What do you like least about yourself?

LINDSAY: I can be extremely indecisive.

TELLAS: I can be over-analytical.

Lindsay and Tellas tour the on-site brewery with James Langley (left) and Brendan Huffman, managing partners of The Local Eatery & Drinking Hole and Resident Brewing Co.

Rate yourself on a scale from 1 to 10 for looks.

LINDSAY: My son thinks I’m a perfect 10, and that’s all that matters.

TELLAS: Eight.

How about for personality?

LINDSAY: At work, I’m about a five, but as soon as the workday is over, your 10-point scale can’t handle this.

TELLAS: Nine.

What’s your biggest fear?

LINDSAY: Something happening to my family.

TELLAS: Heights.

What traits could your date exhibit that would be deal-breakers?

LINDSAY: Poor communication skills, bad manners, smoking.

TELLAS: Stuck up, closed-minded, materialistic, talks a lot about themselves.

How many people have you slept with?

LINDSAY: LOL. No. TELLAS: Enough.

How do you stay in shape?

LINDSAY: Weightlifting four to

five times a week and running after a small child everyday.

TELLAS: Gym. Fill in the blanks: I want my blind date to be “blank” and “blank.”

LINDSAY: Naughty and nice.

TELLAS: Sweet and sexy.

Will the night end with a kiss, something more or something less?

LINDSAY: I hope I want to kiss him.

TELLAS: Hope that it ends with a kiss. Not because I’m a hornball — it means I had an awesome connection.

What’s the most important thing in the world?

LINDSAY: Family.

TELLAS: My son and being successful to provide for my son and future wife.

THANK YOU! Epic Limo 858.270.LIMO (5466) epiclimo.com The Local Eatery & Drinking Hole 1065 Fourth Ave., Downtown 619.231.4447, thelocalsandiego.com cont. on page 110

january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

107

NOW WELCOMING RESIDENTS STUDIO, 1 & 2 BEDROOM LOFTS

6 8 8 1 3 t h S t r e e t / S a n D i e g o , C A 9 2 1 0 1 / 6 1 9 . 2 6 8 . 6 0 6 5 / E V- L I V I N G . C O M

EAST VILLAGE HAS A WHOLE NEW VIBE Artful. Sophisticated. Social. EV welcomes you to a new way to live in San Diego’s vibrant East Village District. EV is a curated collection of midrise apartments that capture the East Village vibe.

FEATURING | Sky Lounge | USB Charging Stations Private Screening Lounge | Courtyard with Fire Pit Yo g a Area | Skyline D o g Par k | F ully Fi t G y m

LOV E

blind date cont. from page 106

FREEZE FRAME

Chilling out in Point Loma

W

hen their car pulls up on Fourth Avenue, Lindsay and Tellas step out and head inside The Local.

If you don’t know Lindsay, but think she looks familiar, perhaps you saw her a few months ago on her first PacificSD blind date — the one where she and a guy named Mark spent a stylish evening trying on clothes at Fashion Valley mall (see “Fashionably Lindsay and Mark Date,” went on a blind Sept. 2015; date in PacificSD’s Sept. 2015 issue pacificsandiego. com/fashionablydate). In the end, their clothes matched, but their personalities… not so much.

A live band is rockin’ The Local as Lindsay and Tellas take a seat. They talk over drinks and small plates for a while, and then take a behindthe-scenes tour of Resident Brewing Company, the full-fledged brewery 110

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

now located inside The Local.

Once fueled up with frosty craft brews and fresh selections from the remodeled venue’s reimagined menu, the couple jumps back into the limo for the ride to Fantasy on Ice, the temporary ice-skating rink at Liberty Station (open through January 3). When they begin putting on skates, they’re laughing and appear to be getting along well.

Laced up and ready to skate, they head out onto the ice. Soon, they’re holding hands as they circle the rink and look as though they’re having a blast. Despite a minor tumble by Tellas, both manage to stay upright and avoid injury.

After a final lap, the daters head around the corner for dinner at Soda & Swine, a new sister location of North Park’s wildly popular destination for sublime meatballs and “dirty” fries. Once they have had a chance to look over the menu and order cocktails, they’re split for mid-date debriefings.

PacificSD: How’s it going so far?

LINDSAY: It’s going really well.

I’m having a really good time. It’s just a much better match [than my

September-issue blind date]. I don’t really know how else to put it.

TELLAS: It’s going really well, surprisingly well.

What were your first impressions?

LINDSAY: Tall, dark and handsome. Thank you, matchmaker.

TELLAS: Very pretty. Always has a smile on her face, so she’s totally approachable. Didn’t seem stuck up or anything.

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

LINDSAY: Looks-wise, definitely.

Beyond that, I’m not sure yet. We’ll find out.

TELLAS: Yes. What do you think of the way your date is dressed?

LINDSAY: Perfect.

TELLAS: She looks great; she looks beautiful.

How was The Local?

LINDSAY: The Local was a lot of fun. They had a really good band.

I think they had a Christmas party going on, so the music was fun.

The beer was great. The tour he gave us — [I’ve] never actually been on a tour somewhere they make beer, so that was awesome.

TELLAS: It was good. It made it easy to talk because it was a fun atmosphere.

What did you have to eat and drink there?

LINDSAY: Gosh, we had a little bit of everything. We had some ahi, we had some croquettes and we had some beer.

TELLAS: We had lumpia, ahi and some cornbread thing. And then we had IPA — we both like IPA — and a shot of tequila.

How was ice skating?

LINDSAY: It was a lot of fun. I haven’t been ice-skating in, like, 10 years. I don’t know how often he goes; apparently not that often. But we definitely made it a good time.

TELLAS: It was fun, better than I thought. I tried to let the lady lead, and she was grabbing my hand. It was cool, it worked out. I fell once.

What’s the most attractive thing your date has done so far?

WISHING YOU A

HAPPY NEW YEAR

IN SPAIN!

RESTAURANT & TAPAS BAR 353 Fifth Avenue, San Diego Gaslamp 619.233.5979 - CafeSevilla.com LINDSAY: He is a very good communicator and he asks good questions, and you can tell he’s really is interested in getting to know me, which is very attractive.

TELLAS: She gives great eye contact and she touches me and stuff like that. Because I’m so much about letting the lady lead, it’s awesome that she’s extended herself out and made it more comfortable for me to extend myself out.

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

LINDSAY: Strong nine.

TELLAS: Ten. How about for personality?

LINDSAY: Ten. TELLAS: We’ll go nine-pointfive, ’cause I don’t really know her all the way yet to say ten. First impression’s a ten.

Do you want to kiss your date now?

LINDSAY: I think that already happened.

TELLAS: Yeah. Her lips are pretty epic.

Does your date want to kiss you?

LINDSAY: I think that already happened.

TELLAS: She’s southern, so the southern in her would say no; but the way we’ve interacted, I’d say yeah.

Anything else you want to say?

LINDSAY: This is definitely my last blind date, but I’m pretty sure that my matchmaker got it right this time. I’m having a really good time and I’m definitely looking forward to the rest of the night.

TELLAS: The venues have all been brand-new and fresh, and I love the ambience of everything so far. I wouldn’t have done skating as a first date, only because I’m reluctant to, but the fact that I stepped outside my comfort zone on the first date — we both did — that was awesome, because we kinda did that together for the first time.

THANK YOU! Fantasy on Ice (open through January 3) 2640 Historic Decatur Rd., Liberty Station 619.222.1970, fantasyonicesd.com cont. on page 112 january 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

111

LOV E

blind date cont. from page 110

WHEN PIGS FLY

Dinner continues at Soda & Swine

A

fter the middate break, Lindsay and Tellas return to their table.

As their spaghetti and enormous meatballs arrive, the magazine crew finally leaves them alone to enjoy the rest of the evening away from the camera. The next morning, we call to see what we missed.

How was dinner at Soda & Swine?

LINDSAY: Soda & Swine had really unique drinks, a friendly staff and great food. Overall, a

really cool spot. I would highly recommend.

TELLAS: It was nice, very different. Set a good mood.

What did you eat and drink there?

LINDSAY: I had pasta and a couple of their specialty cocktails.

TELLAS: Tried some specialty drink; had a couple of shots; ate a pasta, Brussels sprouts and some mashed potatoes.

What did you do after dinner?

LINDSAY: We actually met up with some mutual friends and had a drink.

TELLAS: Met up with some friends and had some drinks.

What time did you get home?

LINDSAY: I have no idea. It was pretty late, though.

TELLAS: Twelve or 1 a.m., maybe later.

Was there a kiss or romantic exchange?

LINDSAY: There was a kiss at dinner and goodnight.

TELLAS: Yes, a good kiss.

date had a bigger “blank” and a smaller “blank.”

LINDSAY: I wouldn’t change him.

TELLAS: Bigger tolerance for alcohol, smaller group of friends.

What’s the funniest thing that happened during the date?

LINDSAY: Tellas wiping out at the skating rink.

TELLAS: Me falling on the ice, for sure.

How and when did the date end?

LINDSAY: We said our goodbyes and exchanged numbers and a smooch.

TELLAS: Ended after drinks with friends.

What was the best part?

LINDSAY: The conversations were, because we both were truly interested in getting to know each other.

TELLAS: The initial moment she got in the limo, and I saw her face.

Fill in the blanks. I wish my

cont. on page 114

2016 New Year's Resolutions

on the horizon at The Duck Dive...

Eat Better!

Brunch Served Daily $15 Bottomless Mimosas $3 Bloody Buddies

Drink Local!

Daily Food & Drink Specials

Dance More!

Live Music Girls and Guitars Wednesday Nights at 7pm

Be Social!

Live Music on Friday Nights

Fresh & local inspired entrees and cocktails with ingredients from the Pacific Beach Farmer's Market

LOV E

blind date cont. from page 112

What was the worst part of the date?

LINDSAY: There was not a bad part of the date.

TELLAS: When it ended.

Will there be a second date? Why or why not?

LINDSAY: Yes, there will be.

TELLAS: Hell, yes.

114

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • january 2016

AFTERMATCH: Despite (or thanks to) the cold drinks, frozen skating rink and PacificSD’s matchmaker’s failed first attempt at finding a love connection for Lindsay, last night’s blind daters warmed up to each other quickly.

From frosty beers at The Local to the cold, hard fact of being affectionate on the ice to the sultry,

fireside dinner at Soda & Swine, each facet of the evening was hotter than the one before.

Before they met, Lindsay said, “I hope I want to kiss him,” and Tellas said, “[I] hope that it ends with a kiss.” During the date, when asked about a kiss, she said, “I think that already happened,” and he said, “Her lips are pretty epic.”

When the second time’s the charm, it turns out, hearts can melt... even on ice in the middle of winter.

THANK YOU! Soda & Swine 2750 Dewey Rd., Ste. 104, Liberty Station 619.501.9989, sodaandswine.com

TAKE A SEAT (OR A TABLE)

Come browse the city’s best selection of Mid-Century Modern furniture, from classic to curious to custom.

METRO EXPRESS

METRO DECOR

1210 W. Morena Blvd., Ste. B San Diego, CA 92110 619.275.4300

METRODECORONLINE.COM

1156 Morena Blvd.

San Diego, CA 92110 619.275.4330

Born in with an accent.

OUR LATEST EXPRESSION pays tribute to American whiskey’s contribution to single malt Scotch and the American oak bourbon barrels that have shaped the flavor of Scotch whisky for generations.

It is matured 14 years in bourbon heritage barrels and then finished in new American oak barrels from Kelvin Cooperage in Kentucky.

The resulting whisky combines the smooth, fruit-filled complexity of Speyside with the bold vanilla punch and caramel richness of Kentucky.

U.S. Exclusive

Certified Kosher

SKILLFULLY CRAFTED. ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. GLENFIDDICH.COM

GLENFIDDICH SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY, 43% ALC./VOL. ©2015 IMPORTED BY WILLIAM GRANT & SONS. NEW YORK, NY.