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EDITOR’S NOTE J U LY 2 0 1 4 ///
COMIC RELIEF COMIC RELIEF Bruce: I didn’t expect to find you hanging around these parts. Peter: Oh, behave, Mr. Wayne! Bruce: What tangled web are you weaving tonight, big guy? Peter: I was thinking about swinging by Comic-Con. Wanna go? Bruce: No, that place creeps me out. It’s a bunch of wannabes dressed up as cartoons. Peter: Uh… you might want to chiggity-check yourself, Bruce. And loosen that mask. I think you’re going a little batshi — Bruce: Easy there, Parker. Don’t make me leave you here. You don’t have a car, remember? Newspaper jobs don’t pay what they used to, huh? Peter: Whatevs, Batty. I don’t need a car. I’m walking in the Pride Parade with rainbow Wonder Woman… who’s actually Hulk in drag. He looks pretty good in heels, believe it or not. Bruce: I might catch you guys over there. Either way, I have to pick up my other cape at the cleaners first. I can’t wear this old thing to Opening Day. Afterparty at the cave tonight, ok? Peter: Yes, dear. Kisses. Love you. Bruce: TTYS. Bee-tee-dub, those tights don’t make you look fat at all. Promise. San Diego provides countless opportunities for adventure. Be a superhero at Comic-Con (see “Con-Centric,” page 66), catch a photo finish at Del Mar (see “Where It’s Hat,” page 24), fall in love at Pride (see “Along for the Pride,” page 28) or escape the bustle on a three-day getaway to Catalina (see “Isle Be There,” page 52). Ziplines, bungee jumps, underwater discoveries and more — it’s all inside this Adventure Issue of PacificSD. Let’s get out there! Sincerely, David Perloff, Editor-in-Chief
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HIS BEARD has been GRANTED DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY.
©2014 Cervezas Mexicanas, New York, NY
San Diego
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LA JOLLA HOME LISTING EDI T O R - IN - C H IEF
David Perloff
C R EA T I V E DI R EC T O R
Kenny Boyer MANAGING EDI T O R
Catlin Dorset ASSOCIA T E EDI T O R
Michael Benninger CON T R IB U T ING W R I T E R S
Amy T. Granite, Brandon Hernández, Natalie Holtz, Brandon Matzek, David Nelson, Sara Norris, Frank Sabatini Jr. CO V E R I L L U S T R A T ION
R. Black CON T R IB U T ING P H O T OG R AP H E R S
Kate Auda, Michael Auda, Brevin Blach, Paul Body, Tim King, Brandon Matzek, Sara Norris, Andrew Vanover
P U B L IS H E R S
David Perloff Simone Perloff DI R EC T O R OF AD V E R T ISING
Crafted using the finest materials, this La Jolla home beckons with breathtaking panoramic views of La Jolla Shores, The Cove and Mount Soledad accentuated by floor-to-ceiling windows. Its trapezoidal architectural design by world-renowned architect Ken Ronchetti allows for ocean views from all living areas. Lavish amenities include infinity pool, exercise pool, spa, two BBQ areas, Mother of Pearl kitchen cabinets, bocce court, wine cellar, media room, elevator, electric powered sunscreens and stand-by electric generator. 8431 Whale Watch Way, La Jolla, CA | Price: $10,900,000
Dana Hinton (dana@pacificsandiego.com) MA R KE T ING DI R EC T O R
Alyson C. Baker (alyson@pacificsandiego.com) B U SINESS DE V E L OPMEN T DI R EC T O R
Vicki Marangos (vicki@pacificsandiego.com) P R OMO T IONS a s s i s t a n t
Ariel Gafni (ariel@pacificsandiego.com) ACCO U N T E X EC U T I V ES
Michael Christopher (mike@pacificsandiego.com) Brennan MacLean (brennan@pacificsandiego.com) Kevin Sheehan (kevin@pacificsandiego.com) IN T E R N
Samantha Hamilton
Ghassan Aboukhater 619.436.6239 ghassanrealtor.com ghassana@BHHScal.com BRE# 01930856 View photos at ranchophotos.com/8431-whale-watch-way 14
PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM / july 2014
Reach America’s Finest readers via print, web, social media, E-MAIL and events. Read, click, connect... BOOM! 619.296.6300 • pacificsandiego.com facebook.com/pacificsd • @pacificsd
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july 2014 f e a tur e s ///
CONTENTS
F e a t u r es
52 page 66 page
Isle be There Catalina: a two-day journey a world away con-centric Get con-nected with these events circling Comic-Con
On the cover: Illustration by R. Black. This page: Scarecrow, one of Batman’s foes. For more Comic-Con madness, see page 66. Photo by Andrew Vanover.
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scarecrow Alter Ego: Dr. Jonathan Crane As Seen In: Christopher Nolan’s Batman Trilogy First Appearance: World’s Finest Comics #3 (Fall 1941) Abilities: Expert on the psychology of fear, creates hallucinogens that induce crippling fear Affiliations: Injustice League
july 2014
d e p a rt m e n t s ///
CONTENTS d e p a r t m ents
page
120
Pacific Beach Shore Club bartender Kim Stone, bungee jumping from The Bridge to Nowhere. Photo by Tim King.
CURRENTS 24 Where It’s Hat Horsing around and other highlights of this year’s races at Del Mar 28 Along for the Pride San Diego comes together to celebrate four decades of diversity 30 Seven.Fourteen July event listings 32 Laughing Stock July’s stand-up roundup 20
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PULSE 36 Art Beat July’s museum and gallery openings 44 See Monkey Think outside the box office 46
Against the Grains New fitness studio uses old-school resource to produce newfound results
48
Why Pod? This curious capsule doesn’t fly, but it does get you high
TA S T E 84 A Breath of Fresh Fare Catch wind of the city’s latest culinary offerings 98 Everybody’s Cream! Say hooray! for homemade ice cream 102 Tiki Toc Turning back the clock to classic cocktails 104 Take It From The Tap Finest City beer — scene and heard
GROOVE 108 Sounds Like A Plan July concert calendar 118 Spin Cycle July EDM shows 120 Blondes Away! Bartending besties fall head- over-squeals off The Bridge to Nowhere
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LOVE 124 Taking The Leap Diving headfirst into summertime romance
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ALL CONCERTS ARE ALL AgES BAND LINE-UP SUBJECT TO CHANgE *CONCERT ADMISSION $20 AFTER LAST RACE PRE-PAID TICKETS, COMPLIMENTARy TICKETS AND SEASON PASSES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR CONCERT ADMISSION AFTER THE LAST RACE. FOR MORE INFO CALL (858) 755-1141 OR VISIT DELMARSCENE.COM
C URR E N T S By Catlin Dorset FIRST THINGS
Jockey Corey Nakatani races to the finish at Del Mar (2012).
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
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7.17-9.3
Location: Del Mar Race Track Admission: $5-$70 Info: dmtc.com Say “neigh” to working on Opening Day and attend one of summer’s biggest parties instead. It’s thoroughbred racing season once again — time for big hats, big winnings (and losings) and wearing your best duds for nine weeks of day-drinking where the turf meets the surf. (continued on page 26)
Program begins at or about 12:00 AM PT on 7/1/14 and ends at 11:59:59 PM PT on 8/31/14. Open only to legal U.S. residents of AK, AZ, CA, ID, NV, and OR, 21+ years of age. For Terms & Conditions visit www.promorules.com/pl2073. Void where prohibited. *MillerCoors LLC will donate $0.25 to Wildland Firefighter Foundation for each purchase of Coors Banquet at participating retailers. Minimum donation is $52,000 and maximum donation is $250,000. All donations will be made by MillerCoors LLC and not by participants.
Š2014 COORS BREWING COMPANY, GOLDEN, CO
CURRENTS
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del mar thoroughbred club’s 2014 season HIGHLIGHTS (continued from page 24)
7/17: Opening Day
More than 45,000 race fans will pony up to place bets on their favorite steeds and compete for cash and bragging rights in the 20th installment of the Opening Day Hats Contest.
7/18-8/29: Del Mar Summer Concert Series
Every Friday night (and some Saturdays) after the races, racetrack ticketholders are invited to attend free concerts including The Cult (7/25), Weezer (8/2), Steve Aoki (8/29) and many more. (See concert calendar, page 110.)
7/26: Craft Beer Fest
Taste sudsy samples of more than 100 craft brews, including 40-plus local award-winners. Five sevenounce tastings cost $18.
8/2: Western Regional Chili Cook-off AND Salsa Contest
Taste free samples of chili and nominate the ones that should advance to the 2014 World Championships, then stick around for the post-race Weezer concert.
8/16: Gourmet Food Truck Festival
Fifty of SoCal’s finest food trucks park it at the track to delight diners at a discount. Proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels.
8/24: Pacific Classic Race Day
Some of the country’s top horses, jockeys and owners compete for a $1,000,000 purse during Del Mar’s most prestigious race.
8/31: Reggae Fest
Ziggy Marley headlines; free attendance with racetrack admission.
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CURRENTS CA L ENDA R ///
C a l en d a r
S e v en . F o u rteen
ALONG FOR THE PRIDE San Diego comes together to celebrate four decades of diversity By Michael Benninger
O
n June 28, 1969, at nearly 1:30 in the morning, eight New York City police officers entered Greenwich Village’s Stonewall Inn, then the nation’s largest gay bar. The cops weren’t there for the dancing or drink specials. In those days, bars could not legally serve alcohol to gay people or allow them to dance with one another. Law officers regularly raided the Stonewall Inn and clubs like it in the ’60s. But on that June night, gay and lesbian patrons fought back, igniting the gay liberation movement in a rebellion now known as the Stonewall Riots. During the next two years, gay rights groups formed across the country and throughout the Western world. Commemorative Stonewall marches moved from city to city, reaching San Diego in 1974. That year, a few dozen people including active-duty military participated in the city’s first march, many of them wearing bags over their heads for fear of persecution. At the time, the law permitted the State of California to lobotomize gay people; firing them from their jobs was a foregone conclusion. Forty years later, times have changed, and with them many Americans’ attitudes. Our city’s Stonewall demonstration has grown into San Diego’s Pride Parade, an affair of colossal proportions and one of the region’s largest events.
“Last year, even with the help of city officials, we were unable to fully count the number of people who attended the parade,” says Fernando Zweifach López Jr., Public Affairs Director for San Diego LGBT Pride. “It’s estimated, that somewhere between 300,000 and 400,000 people attended.” In addition to being a marquee event within the LGBT community, San Diego’s Pride Parade continues to help foster progress. “Our event was the first of its kind to gain full approval from the Department of Defense to allow servicemembers to wear uniforms in the parade,” says López, “as well as the first Pride Parade in the country to have a children’s garden, now in its 22nd year.” An exciting first for this year’s Pride festivities is the involvement of NASA, which is showing support for the aeronautics agency’s own gay men and women by hosting an 1,200-square-foot interactive exhibit called the Destination Station. “When NASA reached out to us, we were excited and thought it was a great fit,” says López. From Stonewall to the space program, San Diego’s LGBT community has come a long way. For an out-of-this-world good time, celebrate and be a part of the city’s cultural diversity at this year’s Pride. (continued on page 30)
PRIDE
7.18-20 Location: HILLCREST, BALBOA PARK Admission: See page 30 for detailed list. Info: sdpride.org
Count On It PRide by the Numbers: 940 Volunteers for 2014’s Pride weekend • 40,000 Estimated 2014 music festival attendance 28
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300,000-400,000 Estimated 2014 Pride Parade attendance • $150,000 Amount given by SD Pride to LGBT-community serving organizations in 2013
CURRENTS CA L ENDA R ///
(continued from page 28)
By Catlin Dorset
OUT & ABOUT Pride weekend event highlights
Dale frost
Big Bay Boom 7/4
7/3: Dash & Dine Gaslamp 5K Location: Fifth Ave. and L St., Gaslamp Admission: $35-$45 Info: gaslamp.org/5K Run a 3.1-mile loop through the streets of Gaslamp before refueling at one of the participating restaurants offering post-race dining discounts. 7/4: Big Bay Boom Location: San Diego Bay, Downtown Admission: Free Info: bigbayboom.com Nearly 500,000 San Diegans and tourists will brave (and create) heinous traffic conditions to watch this annual 18-minute fireworks show. 7/5: Big Bite Bacon Fest Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds Admission: $45-$75 Info: bigbitebaconfest.com Eat bacon, smell bacon, become one with bacon (a couple will marry on-site, using bacon bouquets and boutonnieres), and then wash it all down with beer and a handful of Lipitor.
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7/7-23: San Diego Aviators Home Season Location: Valley View Casino Center, Point Loma Admission: $25-$200 Info: valleyviewcasinocenter.com Tennis pros Daniela Hantuchová and the Bryan brothers Bob and Mike represent America’s Finest, taking on Andy Roddick (July 7) and other tennis greats during the San Diego Aviators’ inaugural season. Andy Roddick
Camerawork USa
7/5: Morning After Mess Location: Five San Diego beaches Admission: Free Info: sandiego.surfrider.org Support Surfrider’s Rise Above Plastics by bringing reusable bags to help clean the July 4 remnants from five local beaches: Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Carlsbad and Oceanside.
7/6: “Michael Jackson HIStory Show” Location: Balboa Theatre, Downtown Admission: $68-$79 Info: sandiegotheatres.org Las Vegas impersonator Kenny Wizz pays musical tribute to the late King of Pop with choreographed dances, authentic costumes and special effects.
7/18: Spirit of Stonewall Rally and Flag Raising Location: Normal St. and University Ave., Hillcrest Admission: Free Honor the LGBT leaders and luminaries working hard to preserve the community’s progress and meet new challenges. Speakers include actress/activist Laverne Cox, Human Relations Commissioner Nicole MurrayRamirez, State Assemblymember Toni Atkins and City Council President Todd Gloria. 7/18: Pride of Hillcrest Block Party Location: Normal St. and University Ave., Hillcrest Admission: $25-$50; cabanas for $1,500 Info/tickets: sdpride.org It’s TGI-Prideday as this third annual event transforms Hillcrest into a huge dance party, headlined by Orange is the New Black actress and musician Taryn Manning. 7/19: Pride 5K Run/Walk 2014 Location: University Ave. and Centre St., Hillcrest Race entry: $35 Info/entry: sdpride.org This 5K run/walk produced by Front Runners and Walkers San Diego is sanctioned and certified by the USA Track & Field association and features computerized results. Pride runners precede the parade, starting and finishing the race at University Avenue and Centre Street. 7/19: Pride Parade Location: University Ave. & Normal St., Hillcrest Admission: Free Led by Grand Marshall and California State Assemblymember Toni Atkins, this splashy promenade is one of the country’s largest events, attracting upwards of 300,000 revelers. Colorful costumes and fabulous floats celebrate diversity on this 1.1-mile route that runs west on University Avenue from Normal Street to Sixth Avenue, then southbound on Balboa Drive to Laurel Street. 7/19-20: Pride Music Festival Location: Marston Point, Balboa Park Admission: $20 for two-day pass Info/tickets: sdpride.org This year’s festival features 10 entertainment zones showcasing a variety of musical acts (country, hip-hop, Latin, soul/R&B, EDM, house, choral music, drum circles) plus comedy and cabaret performances.
C a l en d a r
S e v en . F o u rteen
7/12: Switchfoot Bro-Am Location: Moonlight Beach, Encinitas Admission: Free Info: switchfoot.com Grammy Award-winning San Diego alternative rock band Switchfoot gives back to local atrisk youth, offering live music on the beach and surfing contests to support charity during this 10th anniversary event. 7/12-13, 7/19-20: Over The Line Tournament Location: Mission Bay Park, Fiesta Island Admission: Free to watch Info: ombac.org The 61st annual softball-like competition known for bats, beers and boobs — in no particular order — is non-BYOB for 2014. The non-Bs include beers, bottles, bicycles and babies (21 and up only).
7/13: Carlsbad Triathlon Location: Tamarack State Beach, Carlsbad Admission: $105-$150 Info: carlsbadtriathlon.com Swim a kilometer in the ocean before biking a 25K course along the Carlsbad coastline and finishing with a 5K run near the Encina Power Station. 7/17-9/3: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Location: Del Mar Race Track Admission: $5-$70 Info: dmtc.com Say “neigh” to working on Opening Day and attend one of summer’s biggest parties instead. It’s thoroughbred racing season once again, time for big hats, big winnings (and losings) and wearing your best duds for nine weeks of day drinking where the turf meets the surf. 7/24: w00tstock 6.0: A Night of Geeks + Music Location: Balboa Theatre, Downtown Admission: $40 Info: sandiegotheatres.org Nerdy know-it-alls Adam Savage (MythBusters) and Wil Wheaton (Star Trek: The Next Generation) host a night of comedy, music, short films and more for their fellow dweebs.
7/24-26: La Jolla Fashion Film Festival Location: Museum of Contemporary Art, La Jolla Admission: $50 per day; $125 for three-day pass Info: ljfff.com Hundreds of fashion filmmakers from around the globe converge on S.D. for a Hollywood-esque night of red carpet photoops, film screenings and awards for coveted categories including “Best Picture” and “Best Director.” 7/24-27: Comic-Con International Location: San Diego Convention Center, Gaslamp Admission: Badges sold out; people-watching free Info: comic-con.org Thousands of wannabe action heroes and villains fill the streets of Downtown, leaving absolutely zero parking for mere mortals and other locals.
See
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7/25-26: The Walking Dead Escape Location: Petco Park, Downtown Admission: $20-$150 Info: thewalkingdeadescape.com Survive this zombiepacked obstacle course and receive a complimentary post-race beer, or opt to be madeup into an über-creepy undead stalker instead. 7/26: Joggin’ For Frogmen Location: NTC Station, Liberty Station Admission: $40 Info: jogginforfrogmen.com Run/walk this 5K to honor fallen military heroes and raise money for the families they left behind. 7/26: Heroes Brew Fest Location: Embarcadero Marina Park North, Downtown Admission: $50-$60 Info: heroesbrewfest.com Increase your super powers by loading up on samples of more than 80 craft brews before competing in the Best Original Caped Crusader and Best Super Villain contests at this Comic-Con-themed event. 7/27: Solana Beach Triathlon and Duathlon Location: Fletcher Cove, Solana Beach Admission: $102-$182 Info: kozevents.com Complete a triathlon (1/4-mile swim, 9-mile bike ride, 3-mile run) or duathlon (9-mile bike ride and 3-mile run only), and then enjoy a post-race continental breakfast and morning brews in the beer garden. 7/31-8/3: Ramona Country Fair Location: Ramona Outdoor Community Center Admission: Free admission; carnival ride prices vary Info: ramonachamber.com Carnival games, rickety rides, a “Ramona Idol” singing contest and more draw upwards of 10,000 visitors to East/North County. Warning: roaming coyotes are not part of the petting zoo.
Padres Home Games 7/1-2: vs. Cincinnati Reds 7/4-6: vs. San Francisco Giants 7/18-20: vs. New York Mets 7/29-31: vs. St. Louis Cardinals j u ly 2 0 1 4 / PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM
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CURRENTS COMEDY ///
LAUGHING STOCK July’s stand-up roundup
7/24: Kevin Smith @ American Comedy Company
“God doesn’t hate fags or anybody else for that matter. God saves! Then, God passes it to Gretzky, who roofs that shit, top-shelf! Then God and Gretzky high-five and belly-bump, celebrating their hockey prowess. And never once do they give a shit if anybody’s gay or not.” —Kevin Smith in his book, Tough Shit: Life Advice from a Fat, Lazy Slob Who Did Good americancomedyco.com (continued on page 34)
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B
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ESTABLISHMENTS
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CURRENTS COMEDY ///
(continued from page 32)
“We deal with a lot of different stereotypes. Some are true, some aren’t. Like that stereotype, ‘All black people with dreadlocks smoke weed.’ That’s bullsh!t. All white people with dreadlocks smoke weed.” —Bruce Jingles at the Laugh Factory 7/3-5: Bruce Jingles @ Mad House Comedy Club, madhousecomedyclub.com
“IRS got me doing the BET Awards, I’m not gonna lie. They make me sick. They back there right now counting my money and eating chicken. Pay your taxes, y’all. Pay your taxes and don’t listen to the wrong people. That’s the last time I let Wesley Snipes help me with my taxes.” —Chris Tucker hosting the 2013 BET Awards 7/25: Chris Tucker @ San Diego Civic Theatre sandiegotheatres.org
“My laptop has been acting kind of buggy lately. I was working on it, and this thing popped up. It said: ‘Windows encountered a critical flaw. Would you like to send an error report back to Microsoft?’ And I clicked ‘Don’t Send’ ‘cause I ain’t no f**king snitch.” —Fahim Anwar on Comedy Central’s Russell Simmons Presents 7/3-6: Fahim Anwar @ American Comedy Company, americancomedyco.com
“I actually got pulled over once for driving in the diamond lane. Cop said to me, ‘You know you have to have more than one person in the car to drive in the carpool lane.’ I said, ‘Check the trunk.’” —Doug Benson on Comedy Central Stand-Up 7/23: Doug Benson @ House of Blues, houseofblues.com
“I broke up today with my boyfriend. Well, neither of us were gay. We were just doing it to upset our parents... and the Christian Right.” —Judah Friedlander on Comedy Central Stand-Up 7/24-26: Judah Friedlander @ The American Comedy Company americancomedyco.com
“Boys’ Catholic school is a lot like going to a regular school, except your teacher is a priest — with benefits. No, I’m kidding. I was never touched by any priest in school. Which makes me think, ‘Am I not attractive?’ Usually they are giving that sh!t away.” —Chris Hardwick on Comedy Central Stand-Up 7/25-26: Chris Hardwick @ Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org
“White folks is my favorite thing on TV ’cause if you wanna see blacks or Latinos on TV, all you gotta do is turn on COPS. White folks got your own TV show, though; it’s called When Animals Attack. ’Cause we don’t ever put ourselves in a position where we get mauled by a bear. If there’s a Puerto Rican in the woods right now, it’s because he’s hiding from the DEA.” —Alex Ortiz on Comedy Central Stand-Up 7/11-12: Alex Ortiz @ The Comedy Palace, thecomedypalace.com 34
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California
fat tire amber ale is brewed by new belgium brewing fort collins co
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newbelgium.com
p u l se By Amy T. Granite
ART BEAT
July’s museum and gallery openings
“NY Bridge” by Stephen Fishwick
“Meet the Masters” 7.19 @ THE CENTRE 1205 Auto Park Way, Escondido 877.568.6118, thecentreescondido.com To kickoff its Summer Series — monthly events highlighting masters of art, fashion and wine making — The Centre presents the art of Stephen Fishwick, who will lead an art lesson on July 19, from 3 to 5 p.m. Each event spotlights a different local expert from whom guests can learn techniques of their trade. (continued on page 38)
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PULSE A R T S ///
(continued from page 36) 7/10-9/21: “James Drake: Anatomy of Drawing and Space (Brain Trash)” Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego 700 Prospect St., La Jolla 858.454.3541, mcasd.org
“The Anatomy of Drawing and Space (Brain Trash)” by James Drake
In 2012, James Drake, a 40-year art world vet, challenged himself to create a drawing every day. He kept it up and completed 1,242 images. From nature scenes to portraits and the human anatomy, some of Drake’s drawings are instant and simple; others are more elaborate, using ink, charcoal, pencil, stencils and collage effects.
7/18-20: “Art in Bloom” Spanish Village Art Center 1770 Village Place, Balboa Park 619.233.9050, spanishvillageart.com Spanish Village Art Center and the San Diego Floral Association present this annual event that displays works of art alongside their floral interpretations. Meet the artists and floral designers, take part in a silent auction and enjoy entertainment and refreshments during the three-day special engagement.
7/12-8/12: “Why the Long Face” Visual, 3776 30th St., North Park 619.501.5585, visualshopsd.com
ABOVE LEFT: “Point Loma Lighthouse at the Shore” by Linda Lepeirs; floral arrangement by Miriam Guberek of San Dieguito Garden Club. ABOVE RIGHT: “Abstract-1” by Maryellene Deason; floral arrangement by Lucy Kramer of San Diego Floral Association.
Eric Wixon is known for painting expressive faces. In his new series, lines atop loose, abstract spray-paint markings swirl into emotions stemming from excitement and adventure. A variety of works on paper and limited edition hats will be on display and for sale at the opening reception on Saturday, July 12, 6 to 10 p.m. “Feeling Proud” by (continued on page 40)
Eric Wixon
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PULSE A R T S ///
(continued from page 38)
7/18-8/3: “Wonka Gallery and Paranoia Magazine present: Paranoia, Mind Control and the Art of Suggestion” Wonka Gallery 1150 Seventh Ave., Downtown 858.666.5163 wonkagallery.com Known for spotlighting weird art, Wonka Gallery is teaming up with Paranoia Magazine to present a group show featuring artwork with subject matters including the Illuminati, Area 51, JFK’s assassination and 9/11. Local artists Bret Barrett and Sean Brannan are among the lineup. Opening receptions take place July 18 and 19, from 6 to 10 p.m. both nights. Untitled work by Leticia Martinez
“Bernadette in Artichokes” by Kate Gorman
7/30: “A Dirty Filthy Show” La Bodega Gallery and Studios 2196 Logan Ave., Logan Heights 619.721.7207, facebook.com/la.bodega.1 Individually, each artist in this show is known for turning heads. Together, they’re sure to reveal an eye-popping exhibit. Wire sculptor Spenser Little will show a slew of lewd pieces, twisted by pliers and his imagination. Opening reception: July 30, 6 to 10 p.m. Untitled wire sculptures by Spenser Little
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7/26-11/23: “Quilt National” Oceanside Museum of Art 740 Pier View Way, Oceanside 760.435.3720, oma-online.org Nearly 30 artists from seven countries will demonstrate various quilting techniques, some of which employ painting and photography. Fiber artists have participated in this juried event since 1979. Opening reception: August 1, 6 to 9 p.m.
PULSE A R T S ///
By Amy T. Granite
ARTist spotlight
Mark Todd
f
or 13 years, local artist and design firm owner Mark Murphy has curated Comic-Con-inspired art shows that introduce viewers to artists from San Diego and across the country. This year, Murphy — whose company has published books for the likes of Cartoon Network, Green Day and Clint Eastwood — is working with The Media Design School of Digital Arts at NewSchool of Architecture and Design to produce ArtExpo. Free for the public to attend, the three-day event will be a feast for those with an appetite for comics, graphic novels, zines and all things DIY-artsy. Among ArtExpo’s participating artists is Los Angeles-based illustrator Mark Todd. When he’s not illustrating the pages of The New York Times, Rolling Stone and Entertainment Weekly, Todd is usually teaching courses at his alma mater, Art Center in Pasadena, or collaborating with his wife Ester Pearl Watson on their zine project, “Fun Chicken.” “We met in art school,” says Todd of his wife. “At first, I was attracted to her work because it was similar to my own.” Over the years, their styles have grown further apart, Todd says, but now they’re working more closely than ever, collaborating on projects in a shared studio space. Meet the couple and see their work at their ArtExpo booth. Visit ArtExpo’s Facebook page to RSVP for a VIP party on July 24, 3 to 8 p.m. Admission to the opening night celebration (Friday, July 25, 5 to 8 p.m.) is free and open to the public, as is Saturday’s showing from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 7/24-26: ArtExpo SD NewSchool of Architecture and Design’s Wonderbread Building 171 14th St., East Village 619.743.0405, newschoolarch.edu
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PULSE
Tammy “Coming in hot.” Comedy / Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Susan Sarandon, Kathy Bates, Mark Duplass / In Theaters: July 2 After losing her job and her husband, a cash-strapped woman embarks on an unlikely escape to Niagara Falls with her crass grandmother.
COO LT U R E ///
Earth to Echo “No one will ever believe our story.” Action & Adventure / Starring: Brian Bradley, Teo Halm, Reese C. Hartwig / In Theaters: July 2 Armed with GoPros and handycams, three kids who discover a cryptic map encoded in their phones unearth an out-of-this-world being. When nefarious government agencies arrive on the scene, the boys try to return the alien to its home. Deliver Us from Evil Horror / Starring: Eric Bana, Olivia Munn, Joel McHale, Édgar Ramirez / In Theaters: July 2 A New York police sergeant pairs up with a priest to investigate unusual, possibly supernatural crimes in this movie based on reallife accounts of the cop’s investigations. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Drama, Sci-fi, Action & Adventure / Starring: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell / In Theaters: July 11 A group of humans battle Caesar’s army of advanced apes to be Earth’s dominant species. The Purge: Anarchy “An American tradition.” Horror / Starring: Frank Grillo, Carmen Ejogo, Kiele Sanchez / In Theaters: July 18 The annual 12-hour period when all wrongdoings are legal has citizens running for their lives in this lawless sequel.
eey smonke box office think outside the Knott By Nick
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Persecuted “I will not be silenced.” Drama, Action & Adventure / Starring: James Remar, Fred Dalton Thompson, Gretchen Carlson / In Theaters: July 18 When a prominent preacher stands in the way of his political progress, a senator frames the clergyman for murder. The fleeing suspect makes it his mission to expose those who set him up. Sex Tape “A movie about a movie they don’t want you to see.” Comedy / Starring: Cameron Diaz, Jason Segel In Theaters: July 18 A husband and wife record one of their raunchy romps to spice up their sex life. When the footage is uploaded inadvertently, the couple races to stop the video from going viral.
Hercules Action & Adventure / Starring: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Ian McShane, Joseph Fiennes In Theaters: July 25 This action-packed adaptation of Greek mythology (and the comic by Steve Moore) follows a man’s heroic journey to learn he’s the son of a god. A Most Wanted Man Mystery & Suspense, Drama / Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rachel McAdams, Willem Dafoe, Robin Wright In Theaters: July 25 American and German security agencies plan to take down a doctor whose donations to Muslim charities might be funding terrorism. Very Good Girls Drama / Starring: Dakota Fanning, Elizabeth Olsen, Demi Moore In Theaters: July 25 A lifelong friendship is tested when two teenage girls fall for the same boy while spending their final summer together before heading off to college. Happy Christmas Drama / Starring: Anna Kendrick, Melanie Lynskey, Mark Webber In Theaters: July 25 When a woman’s reckless behavior leads her to move in with her brother, his wife and their toddler son, her arrival in the household causes chaos — especially when she starts dating the babysitter. Good People “A little money changes everything.” Drama, Mystery & Suspense / Starring: James Franco, Kate Hudson, Tom Wilkinson / In Theaters: July 25 A young couple in debt finds a fortune in their deceased neighbor’s apartment. The money brings them solvency, but their out-of-control spending draws attention from a deadly thief. LUCY “The average person uses 10% of their brain capacity. Imagine what she could do with 100%.” Sci-Fi, Action & Adventure / Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Morgan Freeman / In Theaters: July 25 After a night of partying, a girl awakes as a drug mule for a Taiwanese gang. When the bag of neuron-boosting narcotics bursts inside her, Lucy develops superhuman abilities and sets out for revenge.
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PULSE
H EA LT H ///
Against the
Grains
Baja Body co-founder Jonathan Graves.
New fitness studio uses old school resource to produce newfound results By Natalie Holtz
h
THe PUlse
Baja Body Athletic Club’s indoor sandtraining studio.
iding rum drinks in Slurpee cups is no longer the coolest thing to do in the San Diego sand. Thanks to Baja Body Athletic Club in Oceanside, local folks can now workout and do yoga in the sand, indoors, which sure beats doing a downward dog on Dog Beach. “Sand training has always been around, but it’s never been offered to the mass market,” says co-founder Jonathan Graves, who opened the club with his wife, Nicole, in midMay. “It provides a way in which people can be active in a fun, healthy environment while also being safe.” Baja Body’s sand isn’t the kind found on the beach — it isn’t full of cigarettes and doesn’t have guys with metal detectors scanning it for jewelry. To the contrary, it’s a clean, highly refined variety that’s been washed so many times it won’t stick to your skin, even during a sweaty workout sesh. Fifty tons of non-sticky, Olympic-grade sand (the same caliber of sand used on beach volleyball courts during the summer games) covers the 12,000square-foot studio, creating a soft, 14-inch-thick surface that maximizes calorie burn while providing ergonomic support and joint protection. In addition to sand yoga, Baja Body offers personal training; BeachXFit, a total-body program encompassing cardio, strength and core exercises; and several other workout options. For those wanting to turn their downward dogs upside down, the club also offers Anti-Gravity® yoga, a trending, Cirque du Soleil-style exercise that hoists yogis above the sand and into suspended silk hammocks meant to enhance stretching and strengthening. Baja Body Athletic Club 1220 S. Coast Hwy., Oceanside 760.231.1755, bajabody.com
Tip: remove diamond rings and other cherished items before setting foot in the sand, lest you find yourself with a metal detector… and no Slurpee cup.
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PULSE
H EA LT H ///
WhyPod?
The Sporting Club in UTC is home to the only CVAC machine in California.
This curious capsule doesn’t fly, but it does get you high By Natalie Holtz / Photo by Paul Body
h
ealth studies have long shown the benefits of living at high altitude, but until sea level rises a hundred feet, most San Diegans are staying put. Luckily, though, locals can now reap the rewards of the high life just east of I-5. The Sporting Club in UTC is the first health club in California to offer cellular fitness through a process known as cyclic variations in adaptive conditioning, or CVAC. CVAC machines are airtight, Jetson-esque space-pods that manipulate atmospheric pressure to squeeze and then release the entire body in rhythmic fashion. Developed in Temecula, the equipment touts benefits including improved circulation, increased oxygen absorption and enhanced relaxation. “CVAC delivers benefits similar to exercise and recovery simultaneously, down to the cellular level,” says director of international business for CVAC, Karen Joy. Sitting in a CVAC pod for a 20- to 45-minute session feels comparable to repeatedly taking off and landing in an airplane. While the pod’s interior air pressure yo-yos between sea level and 22,500 feet, its passenger’s cells are working to adjust to the changing pressure. During the process, podsters can nap, read a book or Facebook-creep an ex. There are just a few dozen CVAC pods in the world, most of which are used by famous athletes and other celebs. In 2013, TV’s Dr. Phil shelled out $65,000 for his own exercise egg. If that price tag is a little high, maybe try the CVAC at The Sporting Club first — packages start at just $25. Window seat included. The Sporting Club 8930 University Center Ln., University City 858.552.8000, thesportingclub.com 48
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Catalina — a two-day journey a world away
It’s 5:30 a.m., and I regret every single drink I had last night as I stuff myself and my trusty sidekick, Karol (she’s the one in all the photos), into the car. We’re headed up to Long Beach to catch a helicopter over to Catalina Island. What a cool assignment. I can’t believe I’m actually getting paid (not much) to do this. An hour and a half later, we arrive at Island Express Helicopter and check in. After watching a pre-flight safety video, we strap on our fanny pack flotation devices and wait for our helicopter to return from Catalina. As it approaches, I’m half excited and half certain we’ll crash into the ocean and be eaten by sharks. When the helicopter lands, one woman disembarks before the rest of the passengers, runs across the tarmac and tosses her cookies in the parking lot. And then I guess the woman’s husband sees the look on my face when I glance up at Karol. He says, “She got sick on a boat before we got on the helicopter. Don’t worry.” Yeah, right. Gulp! A few minutes later, we’re onboard, buckled-in and ready for takeoff. As we climb, the Dana Point coastline begins to fade, and I’m struck by the grandeur of 360-degree water views. About fifteen minutes later, Catalina Island appears on the horizon. As we approach, sailboats dotting the blue water and white houses stacked along the hillside make it feel as though we’ve been transported to a Mediterranean paradise.
Day 1
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Karol (pictured) and I took this Island Express Helicopter to Catalina Island and back. (Island Express Helicopter, 800.228.2566, islandexpress.com)
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What a view we had from our suite at Pavilion Hotel!
B
ack on Earth, Karol and I jump in a cab for the short trip to the end of the road. When we reach the golf cart-only zone, the cabbie, Abel, drops us off, points us toward the Pavilion Hotel half a block away and wishes us a great trip. Having arrived before check-in time, Karol and I leave our luggage with a kind man named Mariano at the front desk and head out in search of a much needed morning snack. Strolling down the main strip, we find Coney Island West, an
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unassuming spot with an outdoor patio and ocean views. Inside, we grab a table and order bacon, egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches. Before the food arrives, a man strikes up conversation with us and offers to be our tour guide. We decline, but he remains friendly and smiling — really nice people we’re bumping into so far. A few minutes later, there’s an announcement over the loudspeaker: Para la señorita con las arracadas (for the girl with the earrings). That’s Karol. Then, two ice-cold cervezas arrive, compliments of our new friend. We smile to him, and then toast to what’s already shaping up to
We saw tons of fish from a mesmerizing underwater vantage point aboard the Undersea Expedition. (Undersea Expedition, 800.626.1496, visitcatalinaisland.com)
be an unforgettable adventure. As we’re finishing our beers, Mariano calls from the hotel to say our suite is ready. When our cab driver said Pavilion was the nicest hotel on the island, he wasn’t kidding. This place is posh — king bed, two bathrooms (one with a tub big enough to swim in) and a balcony looking over the ocean. Sweet suite! After taking a quick break in the hotel room, Karol and I head to the Undersea Expedition, where we board a vessel and then descend a flight of stairs into a room where submerged windows make it feel like
we’re riding in a submarine. As the boat pulls away from the pier, it glides through bright green kelp beds. Schools of brilliant orange garibaldi, spotted calico bass and other fish surround us, which prompts a small boy to shout, “Shoo! Shoo! Go away!” The underwater view is moving; Karol and I are giggling. So cool! On the return to the pier, Karol and I head upstairs to see the view from above the water. All around us, people are parasailing, kayaking, fishing and otherwise enjoying this gorgeous day on the ocean.
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B
ack on land, we refuel with crinkle-cut fries and energy drinks from a little joint called Casino Dock Cafe before walking along the shoreline to the Zip Line Eco Tour, where we sign away our lives on yet another safety waiver. During their safety spiel, guides Brandon and Jake demonstrate the proper way to fly down the zip line with style — and without plummeting to our deaths or losing appendages. Once harnessed, we board the shuttle bus for the ride to the top of the hill, from whence we’ll zip like deathdefying mofos. On the way up, Jake gives us a biology lesson on the plant and animal life we’ll soon be soaring over, as well as a history lesson about the island. As we arrive at our destination, I feel like I just learned more in the last 10 minutes than I did during my entire freshman year at college. When it’s time to rock, Jake asks who wants to go first. I volunteer, and he hooks me to the cable. Then, perched 300 feet above a canyon, I take a couple shaky steps before leaping over the edge. My heart is pounding as I fly through the air, holding on for dear life as the wind rushes into my ears. By my fifth zip — after about every 500 feet or so, you land on another platform and retool to zip through the next section — I feel like a pro. Now, the nerves are gone, replaced by the thrill of an adrenaline rush and the incredible scenery. Bolder members of our group try more daring maneuvers, many punctuated by Tarzanesque screams echoing through the canyon. All I can say about that must-see/feel/hear experience is “Wow!” 56
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Karol and I flew 300 feet above Catalina Island canyon on the Zip Line Eco Tour. (Zip Line Eco Tour, 800.626.1496, visitcatalinaisland.com)
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CLOCKWISE (from top left): Lemon-pepper mahi mahi at Bluewater Avalon (310.510.FISH, bluewatergrill. com); one of the countless quaint houses we saw while touring the island; dragon berry mojito at Avalon Grille (310.510.7494, visitcatalinaisland.com); grilled artichoke at Bluewater Avalon; outside Avalon Grille; roasted Brussels sprouts at Avalon Grille; The Casino’s dome-shaped theater (Casino Walking Tour, 800.626.1496, visitcatalinaisland.com); we both had strawberry daiquiris at a local taco shop.
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B
ack at the hotel, Karol and I change for dinner. When we arrive at Avalon Grille around the corner from our hotel, we order drinks while checking out the menu. Pomegranate ginger martinis and dragon berry mojitos, it turns out, go down easy after a day of helicoptering, submarining and soaring above mountains. What a day. After stuffing ourselves with roasted Brussels sprouts, filet mignon and grilled honey balsamic quail, it’s time to call it a night.
Before heading out for another day of adventure, Karol and I indulge in an incredible breakfast at the Pavilion Hotel — a buffet of fresh fruit, pastries, eggs, strong coffee and toast smothered in Nutella. Today’s first stop is The Catalina Casino, which, despite its name, doesn’t have flashing lights, dinging slot machines and chainsmoking gamblers. Instead, Joe the tour guide explains, The Casino is an iconic landmark with nearly a 100-year history. Today, it’s a movie theater and event space adorned with seainspired art deco murals on the outside. Inside, there’s a dome-shaped theater and a beautiful ballroom with sprawling ocean views. Next up was supposed to be a visit to Dolphin Quest, but high winds and rough waters made seeing Flipper and friends a no-go. Plan B: we head for the East End Adventure Tour, instead.
Day 2
Breakfast buffet selections from the Pavilion Hotel include fresh fruit and toast smothered with Nutella. (Pavilion Hotel, 877.778.8322, visitcatalinaisland.com) j u ly 2 0 1 4 / PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM
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A
fter boarding an open-air Hummer helmed by our guide, Charlie, we drive off into the hills of Catalina. As we bounce along the rugged dirt trail, Charlie stops at lookout points to show us breathtaking views that provide a different perspective of the island and the coastline below. Having heard several people talking about the wild bison that roam We spotted a wild bison and an island fox while riding in an open-air Hummer during our East End Adventure Tour. (800.626.1496, visitcatalinaisland.com)
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the countryside here, I’m determined to spot one. Charlie says he’ll make it happen, maneuvering down the narrow road and along the edges of the hillside while Karol and I keep our eyes peeled. Then, as we come around a sharp turn, I spot a bison grazing in the brush. I yell to Charlie, who brings the Hummer to an abrupt halt, but the bison appears to be unfazed by the commotion and the three of us gawking at it. While I’m clicking away with my camera, Karol
and Charlie point out a second bison standing in the distance. Mission accomplished. On our way back down the mountain, an island fox scampers up to the Hummer. No bigger than a house cat, it sits down in the road and looks up at us. Although it’s strictly against the rules, Charlie explains, people do sometimes feed the wild animals. He says this one is likely expecting a handout from us. Sorry, buddy, I ate all my fries.
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Karol and I caught a few rays at the Descanso Beach Club on our last day in Catalina. (Descanso Beach Club, 310.510.7410, visitcatalinaisland.com)
B
ack at the hotel, Karol and I rinse the off-road dirt from our bodies before heading to dinner at the Bluewater Avalon. From the restaurant’s oceanfront patio, we watch pelicans dive for fish as we sip on spicy serrano pepper margaritas and nibble on a grilled artichoke. Our waitress recommends two specialty entrees: lemon-pepper mahi mahi with scalloped potatoes, and free-range chicken breast with thyme beurre blanc. We order one of each, capping the fantastic meal with a perfect sunset over the water.
We hit the breakfast buffet before taking a stroll down to the Descanso Beach Club, which has rows of deluxe lounge chairs and private cabanas lining the shoreline of the picturesque cove. Its outdoor bar is the place to party in Catalina. After catching a few rays at the beach, we hop in a golf cart with Dave Stevenson from the Santa Catalina Island Company for a hardhat tour of Island Spa Catalina and Descanso Beach Club, an oceanfront resort/spa slated to open late this summer. To complete the project, the builders preserved a historical landmark building called El Encanto (the enchanted), retrofitting the property with nine luxurious treatment rooms, a cafe, suites for private parties, a soaking pool and an ocean view.
Day 3
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Descanso Beach Club
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he Descanso Beach Club will also obtain a banquet facility this fall, receiving a commercial kitchen, bakery, restaurant, banquet room for events and two bar areas to serve beachgoers. It’s almost time to catch a helicopter back to Long Beach, but we can’t leave the island without getting our wikis wacked. Luau Larry’s is famous for the Wiki Wacker, a potent concoction of light rum, brandy, pineapple and orange juices, and grenadine. It’s basically a sugary (and tasty) hangover in a glass that comes with a stylish straw hat and bright orange bumper sticker. We head back to our suite to pack our bags, bidding farewell to the ever-hospitable Mariano and insisting he pose for a picture with us. Then it’s cab to helicopter to car to The I-5 South and back to reality. What a trip. Isle be back.
CLOCKWISE (from top left): We drank Wiki Wackers at Luau Larry’s; Karol chills on the bed in our suite; ready to fly back to the mainland; Karol and I pose with our beloved Mariano before checking out of the hotel. OPPOSITE: Descanso Beach Club.
Get con-nected with these events circling Comic-Con By Michael Benninger
Tickets to this year’s Comic-Con International sold out in less than 90 minutes. That’s 130,000 tickets gone at a rate of 24 per second. Faster than a speeding bullet? Maybe not. But fast enough to leave out a galaxy of grumpy geeks. Fortunately, the Comic-Con celebration extends far beyond the Convention Center walls, with unofficial events taking place throughout the city. From Art Shows to Zombie Walks, here’s a guide to what’s going around this year’s Con. No badge required.
Andrew Vanover
Harley Quinn & joker henchman Real Name (hers): Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel First Appearance: Batman: The Animated Series, “Joker’s Favor” Abilities: High intelligence, expertise in psychology, exceptional agility and strength, immunity to most toxins, gymnastics Affiliations: Joker, Catwoman, Poison Ivy
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130,000+ attendees
Con-certs Steam Powered Giraffe Concert
July 24, 7:00 p.m.
The North Park Theatre 2891 University Ave., North Park
thenorthparktheatre.frontgatetickets.com The steampunk pantomimers of Steam Powered Giraffe invite you to join the jocularity at this family-friendly, Vaudevilleinspired show that must be seen to be believed.
Marian Call with Molly Lewis Concert
July 25, 7:30 p.m. Rebecca’s Coffeehouse 3015 Juniper St., South Park mariancall.com
Known across the Internet for her songs celebrating geek culture, folk singer-songwriter Marian Call once again appears alongside Comic-Con to croon about zombies, spaceships and other out-of-this-world subjects.
Con-certos
1,000+ exhibitors
The San Diego Symphony presents three special events tailored for music lovers at this year’s Comic-Con. Embarcadero Marina Park South, 1245 Seventh Ave., Downtown, sandiegosymphony.org
Video Games Live
July 24, 8:00 p.m. Treat your ears and eyes to an evening of video game theme music set against a multisensory backdrop that combines synchronized lighting with an on-stage gaming experience.
Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton
Star Trek (2009) Film Screening with Live Soundtrack
The San Diego Symphony revisits the magic of Hollywood’s dynamic duo by scoring memorable scenes from Batman, Beetlejuice and more, complemented by onscreen visuals.
Trekkies can adjust their phasers to “fun” and set a course for the Embarcadero, where a widescreen-showing of 2009’s Star Trek film will be scored live by the San Diego Symphony.
July 25, 8:00 p.m.
July 26, 8:00 p.m.
“Comic-Con is a great place to be yourself... or your favorite character. We’re seeing more people dress up in costume, so that’s always fun. And the ones who are really serious about it even compete in our Comic-Con Masquerade.” —David Glanzer, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Comic-Con International j u ly 2 0 1 4 / PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM
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Con-nected
Fourth Annual Comic-Con Nerd-a-thon
July 25, 8:00 p.m.
The Merrow, 1271 University Ave., Hillcrest themerrow.com Imperial march yourself over to the Fourth Annual Comic-Con Nerd-a-thon to see burlesque beauties from a galaxy far, far away... Los Angeles. Performance troupe Devil’s Playground delivers a can’t-miss Star Wars-themed burlesque show with a soundtrack by an array of DJs and musical acts.
The SuicideGirls: Blackheart Burlesque
July 26, 12:00 a.m.
House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp suicidegirls.com Sexy sensations the SuicideGirls striptease through risqué skits based on Game of Thrones, Planet of the Apes, The Big Lebowski and more.
Con- couture Her Universe Geek Couture Fashion Show
July 24, time: Tba
Manchester Grand Hyatt 1 Market Place, Downtown heruniverse.com
Sci-fi fashion brand Her Universe makes history by launching a full-scale, first-of-its-kind “Geek Couture” fashion show and design competition, the winner of which receives the opportunity to design a clothing line for Hot Topic. 68
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Con-games
the joker Real Name: Unknown First Appearance: Batman #1 (Spring 1940) Abilities: High intelligence, expertise in chemistry, proficiency in hand-tohand combat
Gam3rCon
2014
July 24-27, 12:00 p.m. Tenth Avenue Arts Center 930 Tenth Ave., East Village gam3rcon.com
San Diego’s signature gaming event unites players and pop culture fans in a celebration of all things fantastical. Guests at this gargantuan gaming expo will find four floors of activity, including a video game arena, tabletop gaming lounge, industry panels, live theatre, artwork and a rooftop reception.
shows w00tstock 6.0
July 24, 7:00 p.m. Balboa Theatre 868 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp
Andrew Vanover
w00tstock.net Perennial party w00tstock 6.0 promises a little something for all types of geeks, as Mythbuster Adam Savage, actor Wil Wheaton and their friends offer an energetic evening of comedy, music, short films and special guests.
Marked Men Party
July 25, 8:00 p.m.
HMS Surprise 1492 N. Harbor Dr., Downtown
600
hours of programming on all aspects of comics and pop culture.
markedmenparty.com Hop aboard the HMS Surprise (an actual ship used in the Pirates of the Caribbean) for a night of swashbuckling fun and adventure. Coinciding with Comic-Con for its fifth straight year, the piratethemed Marked Men Party features live music, fortune telling, sword-fight demonstrations and plenty of rum to go around. j u ly 2 0 1 4 / PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM
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steampunks Culture: A sci-fi sub-genre showcasing steam-powered machinery Influences: Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Mary Shelley Settings: Victorian Era, American West, Post-apocalyptic Fashion: Corsets, top hats, spats and especially goggles
Andrew Vanover
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Con-viving (beer events) Hop-Con 2.0: The w00tstout Festival
July 23, 7 p.m.
Stone Brewing World Bistro 2816 Historic Decatur Rd., Liberty Station stonebrewing.com/hop-con
At Stone’s Hop-Con 2.0, the nationally known local brewer will launch w00tstout 2.0, a new beer developed by celebrigeeks Aisha Tyler, Wil Wheaton and Drew Curtis. The “seductive imperial stout brewed with wheat, rye, pecans and stone-ground chocolate” sports a label designed by Watchmen comic book artist Dave Gibbons.
3DS Pokemon Tournament for Craft Beer Lovers
July 23, 6 p.m.
outdoor Roddenberry Adventures’ Sixth Annual Comic-Con Dive & Aquarium Show
July 24, 7:00 a.m. Birch Aquarium at Scripps 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla roddenberryadventures.com
Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, son of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, boldly goes where fish have gone before… and invites fellow Trekkies to tag along. A guest diver for Birch Aquarium, Roddenberry will beam into in the Aquarium’s 70,000-gallon tank, answering questions about ocean life and the Enterprise.
The Walking Dead Escape
Ballast Point little italy 2215 India St., Little Italy
July 25-26, 6 p.m.
sdccblog.com It’s Pikachu vs. Pikabrew at Ballast Point Little Italy, where adults can unabashedly mash on their 3DS D-pads and B-buttons. Try to “catch ’em all” (apparently this means something to Pokemon-ers) while sipping on finely crafted beers and challenging fellow Pokefans head-to-head. Smogon rules apply, as if you didn’t already know.
Heroes Brew Craft Beer Festival
July 26, 3 p.m.
Embarcadero Marina Park North 500 Kettner Blvd., Downtown heroesbrewfest.com
Con-cealed identities Photographer Andrew Vanover captured these character portraits Scarlet (displayed in this feature and on page 18) in the streets of the Spider Gaslamp during 2013’s Comic-Con international. This year, cosplayers can strike poses at these two photoshoots:
images by Andrew Vanover
Marvel Cosplayer Photoshoot
July 25, 3:00 p.m.
Back steps of the San Diego Convention Center mezzanine
DC Cosplayer Photoshoot
July 26, 2:00 p.m.
Semi-circle stairs located at the back of the Convention Center
thewalkingdeadescape.com
The official Walking Dead obstacle course challenges the living (and not so living) to sprint, scurry and shamble through an apocalyptic evacuation zone. Survivors must clear quarantine testing or otherwise join the undead army at this immersive zombie-run experience.
Eighth Annual Zombie walk and Zombie Prom
July 26, 5 p.m.
Fourth Ave. and Broadway Gaslamp sdzombiewalk.com
Andrew Vanover
Enjoy the power of unlimited tasting at this year’s Heroes Brew Fest, where you can sample 80 beers from more than 40 craft breweries, all while enjoying live music and a Caped Crusader Costume Contest. Proceeds benefit actual superheroes via the Warrior Foundation.
Petco Park 100 Park Boulevard, East Village
San Diego’s annual Zombiewalk returns to the streets of the Gaslamp, extended this year with a Zombie Prom after-party.
Mass Effect characters
Zombie
FEMME joker
stormtrooper Position: Footsoldier Leaders: Emperor Palpatine, Darth Vader First Appearance: Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope Weapons: E-11 Blaster Rifle, Blastech SE12R Sidearm Affiliations: Galactic Empire
Con-artists Art + Wood’s First Annual Group Art Show
July 26, 7:00 p.m.
57 Degrees 1735 Hancock St., Mission Hills artpluswood.com
$180,000,000 total economic impact for the city
$75,000,000 of revenue generated by Comic-Con in direct spending
Cover your jugular at Art + Wood’s inaugural Group Art Show, where the vampire hosts are out for blood. Mingle and muse with art aficionados, craft beer enthusiasts and cosplayers (costumed role players, as any real geek will tell you) aplenty at this geek-themed exhibition showcasing local creatives.
Elementary SherlockeD Comic Con Party
July 25, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
San Diego Public Library 330 Park Blvd., Downtown, sherlockedccparty.tumblr.com Andrew Vanover
The game is afoot on the ninth floor of the San Diego Public Library as Detective Holmes’ fans sip and sleuth the night away on two balconies overlooking Petco Park. Sherlockians can get clued-in and converse with kindred spirits, unravel puzzling games and get themed manicures. 72
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superman Real Name: Clark Kent / Kal-El First Appearance: Action Comics #1 (April 1938) Abilities: Super strength, super speed, flight, x-ray vision, heat vision, super breath, super intelligence Affiliations: Justice League
Con-tain yourself
(COMEDY / COMEDIC PODCASTS)
Doug Benson
July 23, 8:00 p.m. House of Blues 1055 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp
houseofblues.com/sandiego Cinephile and celebrated stoner Doug Benson brings his special blend of the giggles to House of Blues to record an episode of his podcast, Doug Loves Movies.
Judah Friedlander
July 24-26, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. The American Comedy Co. 818 Sixth Ave, Gaslamp
americancomedyco.com Actor and comedian Judah Friedlander unleashes his extemporaneous stand-up throughout Con with five shows at the American Comedy Co., where audience interaction will help him keep things fresh and offer new material for each appearance.
Kevin Smith
July 24, 5:00 p.m. The American Comedy Co. 818 Sixth Ave, Gaslamp americancomedyco.com
House of Blues 1055 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp
July 25, 11:00 p.m.
houseofblues.com/sandiego Hollywood writer/director/producer Kevin Smith will pull double-duty at this year’s Con. On Thursday night, he and co-star Jason Mewes will record their Jay & Silent Bob podcast at the American Comedy Co. On Friday, Smith will record an installment of his Babble-On podcast at House of Blues.
“Nerdist” Chris Hardwick
July 25-26; 10:30 p.m.
Balboa Theatre 868 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp
Andrew Vanover
sandiegotheatres.org On Friday, Chris Hardwick brings his considerable geek cred to Balboa Theatre to host an episode of Comedy Central’s @midnight Live, featuring three celebrity contestants battling to “win the Internet” by cracking wise. The Nerdist gang follows it up Saturday with a live recording of their eponymous podcast. j u ly 2 0 1 4 / PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM
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[ AD V ERTISEME N T ]
BACK and FOuRTH NSA, IRS, VA, POW, the list goes on. The country is running out of letters to describe the latest controversies in Washington. Recently, it’s the controversial military issues that have been commanding headlines and media attention. First, a Veterans Administration healthcare scandal left thousands of veterans — even those with wounds fresh from the battlefield — waiting several months or more to receive medical attention. Ultimately, this led to the resignation of Eric Shinseki, the former Army general acting as secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Then there was the POW exchange, wherein the U.S. swapped five terrorists from Guantanamo Bay for one Army soldier, Bowe Bergdahl, whom the Taliban had held captive in Afghanistan. It is still a debate whether Sergeant Bergdahl was a deserter, but you do not have to be great at math to question the five-to-one tradeoff. On my radio show, I think I might be quoted as having compared this negotiation with terrorists to trading five bazookas for one water pistol. It was a questionable decision, and in the very least, should not have been celebrated in the Rose Garden. That’s my two cents. As our Commander in Chief deliberates these controversies and future decisions with our military, one thing seems to get lost in all of the media hype: our troops. We send them to fight for our freedom, and then essentially neglect them when they come home. Given the unimaginable sacrifices they make, this is a bipartisan issue, and unacceptable under any circumstance. Furthermore, their stories should not be used as political footballs in our news cycle and amongst politicians. Here in San Diego, America’s Finest City, we get to proudly call ourselves a military town. There aren’t too many things more chilling than the standing ovation our heroes get during the seventh inning of a Padres game. July 4th provides the perfect opportunity to reflect not only
on our freedom, but also on those who dedicate their lives to preserving it. San Diego is full of festivities, and I hope you take the opportunity to enjoy the holiday. Despite the recent controversies, there is one thing our country and the VA get right for our veterans: the benefits of homeownership. Despite the challenges they face, those who have served in the military have some of the best opportunities to buy into the American Dream. They are the only citizens who can accomplish 100-percent financing with low mortgage rates and save even more money by not having to pay mortgage insurance. That is a fancy way of saying that they can get a great deal. If you’re a veteran looking for housing options, please allow my network of professionals to help you better comprehend these benefits. They can develop a free rent-versus-own analysis for you, as well as provide plenty of other resources. These San Diegobased professionals will not try to sell you anything or push you in one direction or the other. To the contrary, they want to offer their expertise in an unbiased manner. I trust them, and so can you. In the following pages, five of my elite partners discuss niche micro-markets of San Diego in which they’ve helped members of the military and others buy or sell homes. You can also see them providing this type of advice on “The American Dream,” on Channel 4 San Diego, Saturdays at 10 a.m., or weekdays on our radio show on 1170 KCBQ-AM at 6 p.m., and of course at craigsewing.com. Freedom is not free. It comes from the service, commitment, honor and willingness of our brave military. Despite the recent controversies, we want to say THANK YOU U.S. military members for your service. Happy Fourth of July! —By Craig Sewing
Watch Craig and his real estate and financial elite on The American Dream every Saturday at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4. You can also catch Craig and partners on The Craig Sewing Show, weekdays at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170 AM.
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la costa 92009 This gorgeous 4-bed, 3-bath home located on a half-acre cul-de-sac lot in Sonata, La Costa, sports a spacious backyard with a large patio, pool, spa, slide and outdoor BBQ, making it ideal for entertaining. $899,000 MARKET WATCH The luxury market in San Diego has never been stronger. We are so proud to see our clients consistently selling their real estate for record values, month after month. The hot summer market spells opportunity for buyers to make moves while inventory is high enough to provide options and rates are low enough to fuel purchasing power. We are very optimistic about the next quarter in real estate. Even more so, we see a bright future for the high-end as the stock market remains strong this year.
IN THE ‘HOOD On July 17, join the O’Byrne Team at the Opening Day of the Del Mar Horse Racing Season. It’s one of San Diego’s oldest traditions and best reasons to wear a fancy hat. See you there!
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT The Del Mar Horse Racing Season runs from July 17 to September 3. Come watch your favorite horses race and be a part of the magic and nostalgia of this long-time tradition, dating back to 1937. Del Mar Thoroughbred Club 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar 858.755.1141, dmtc.com
Listen to Seth on The Craig Sewing Show July 8 at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170 AM and watch Seth on The American Dream on July 12 at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4.
BRE # 01463479
Seth O’Byrne is a passionate local, University of San Diego Alum, and Pacific Sotheby’s International Realtor. Seth built his team to service the entire coastline and explains, “We believe that luxury is not a matter of price; it’s a matter of service.”
Seth O’Byrne O’Byrne Team of Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty 7855 Ivanhoe Avenue, Suite 110, La Jolla, California 92037, 858.869.3940, SethSold.com, seth@obyrneteam.com
ocean beach 92107 Relax in either of two spas while watching the sunset in this newly remodeled home featuring stunning ocean views, vaulted ceilings, marble and travertine baths, a sunroom, two master suites, plenty of storage space and a garage with an ocean-view deck. MARKET WATCH The inventory of homes for sale in the Point Loma and Ocean Beach communities is still up from the beginning of the year, but home sales continue to outstrip the supply. We have a surplus of buyers, which creates a great opportunity for anyone considering selling their home.
IN THE ‘HOOD Celebrate Fourth of July in Ocean Beach with a spectacular fireworks display off the Pier. Start summer off by spending the day enjoying the many local stores, restaurants and coffee shops. Park for free at the main beach parking lot as well as the pier parking lot.
Listen to Glen and Shannon on The Craig Sewing Show July 10 at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170 AM and watch them on The American Dream on July 12 at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT OB Noodle House recently opened their second location so guests can enjoy oodles of noodles, craft beer and fruitinfused sake without the long wait. OB Noodle House Bar 1502 offers the same classic menu plus a full bar, even more beers on tap, “locals only” specials, dog-friendly outdoor seating and live music nights. OB Noodle House Bar 1502 4993 Niagara Ave., Ocean Beach 619.255.9858 obnoodlehouse.com
BRE # 01870483
Glen Henderson and Shannon Keatley go beyond the scope of traditional real estate services by providing turnkey financial solutions via their network of partners. They are a valuable resource for buyers and sellers.
Glen Henderson & Shannon Keatley Alliance Group Real Estate Services 3131 Camino Del Rio North, Ste. 1420, San Diego, CA 92108, 619.500.3222, MyOceanBeach.com, team@mypointloma.com
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mt. soledad 92109 This highly coveted Los Altos Estates home features stunning, magnificently detailed architecture and breathtaking 180-degree bay and ocean views. Located on a nearly half-acre lot, this property is on the market for the first time ever. $2,750,000 MARKET WATCH Summer is approaching and the market is still strong. Many sellers are putting their homes on the market before the school year starts and autumn begins, and with interest rates still at an all-time low, buyers are more confident in their home purchases. Now is a great time to buy or sell, and there are many opportunities for both sides in the marketplace.
IN THE ‘HOOD Pacific Beach Concerts on the Green — Sundays, July 20 and 27 at Kate Sessions Park from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Enjoy great views and music at the park above Pacific Beach on the south slope of Mount Soledad. Box lunches available. For more information, visit pbconcerts.org.
Listen to Melissa on The Craig Sewing Show July 9 at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170 AM and watch Melissa on The American Dream on July 12 at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4.
BRE # 01380034
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Kate Sessions Park — A beautiful park with stunning panoramic views of Mission Bay, Downtown San Diego, Pacific Beach, Mexico and the coastline. This 79-acre park is perfect for picnics, family BBQs, Ultimate Frisbee and other outdoor activities. Kate Sessions Park 5115 Soledad Rd. Pacific Beach 619.235.1169
Melissa Tucci recently earned the title of the first Official Real Estate Agent of the San Diego Padres. Ranked fifth in performance for Century 21 worldwide, Tucci is a topproducing realtor and broker who provides a superior level of informed, professional services to buyers and sellers in San Diego.
Melissa Goldstein Tucci Century 21 All Service 1820 Monroe Ave., San Diego, CA 92116, 619.787.6852, MelissaTucci.com, Sold@MelissaTucci.com
rancho pacifica 92130 Situated in highly desirable Rancho Pacifica, this secluded, 6-bedroom, 6-bath, 6,170-sq. ft. custom estate offers privacy and panoramic views where outdoor living is at its finest. MARKET WATCH The market is hitting its height in inventory and sales, as it typically does this time of year. With more competition on the market, make sure you price your home correctly in order to attract multiple buyers. We should continue to see stable prices throughout the remainder of the year.
IN THE ‘HOOD Summer Movies in the Park are back. Now’s the perfect chance to relax and enjoy a special night of free, family-friendly movies under the stars. Find the full 2014 schedule at funflicks.com/ summer-movie-series.
Listen to Kurt on The Craig Sewing Show July 15 at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170 AM and watch Kurt on The American Dream on July 19 at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4.
BRE# 01520942
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Dinner and a movie, done right. Watch the latest box office hits while enjoying the luxurious pampering of at-your-seat waiter service. Cinépolis servers deliver gourmet meals and finely crafted cocktails as moviegoers enjoy the show from fully reclining leather seats. Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas 12905 El Camino Real Del Mar 858.794.4045 cinepolisusa.com
Team leader and owner of his own company, broker Kurt Wannebo has closed more than 550 sales. His 200-plus five-star reviews online are a testament to his dedication to customer service.
Kurt Wannebo San Diego Real Estate & Investments 3636 Nobel Dr., Ste. 170, San Diego, CA 92122, 858.412.5541, BrokerKurt.com, kurt@sdreai.com
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FAIRBANKS SUMMIT 92127 This exquisite 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom, 3975-sq. ft. custom-built home is located in the gated community of Mirasol and features a beautiful pool, gourmet outdoor kitchen and built-in firepit. MARKET watch Fairbanks Summit is a hot market due to the beautiful custom homes, privacy, excellent school district and desire for newer home builds. With interest rates and inventory still relatively low, now is a great time to buy or invest. Due to lack of inventory, sellers can hold their home longer and price them higher. Interest rates recently hit an all-time low for the year, giving buyers better purchasing power.
IN THE ‘HOOD Big Bite Bacon Fest on July 5 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds is a fun-filled tasting event featuring creative bacon dishes from San Diego’s best chefs and competitive cooks. From July 17th through September 3rd, fans will flock to the Del Mar Racetrack to wager on their favorite horses during the annual racing season “where the turf meets the surf.”
Listen to John on The Craig Sewing Show July 23 at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170am and watch John on The American Dream on July 26 at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4. You can also catch John hosting his new radio show, Military Mondays, every Monday at 7 p.m. on KCBQ 1170 AM.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Rosina’s is a small, familyowned restaurant bringing authentic Italian-inspired food to the area. With freshly made sauces and specialty dishes like Wild Boar Bolognese, this place has something for everyone. Rosina believes that it is important to create Italian meals with pride, because you are making something for the people you love — your family. Rosina’s 14701 Via Bettona, San Diego 858.759.4300, rosinasoceanside.com
BRE# 01861983
John Reeves is a combat veteran, Pop Warner football coach, real estate investor and family man specializing in helping servicemembers and veterans buy, sell or build their own homes.
john reeves Reef Point Real Estate 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd., Ste. A157, San Diego, CA 92123, 877.300.3709, ReefPointRealty.com, info@ReefPointRealty.com
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TASTE DINING OUT By Frank Sabatini Jr. Photos by Kate & Michael Auda (unless noted)
Inside Little Italy’s Ironside Fish & Oyster.
Zack Benson
A Breath of Fresh Fare CATCH WIND OF THE CITY’S LATEST CULINARY OFFERINGS
F
rom early spring to present, a healthy crop of new kitchens began blooming for a summer feeding (and drinking) frenzy that takes us from bakery-fresh lobster rolls and coq au vin to boozy punch bowls and wines on tap. Whether the day calls for a stylish new breakfast spot, a neighborhood cheese cave or dinner at a coveted chef’s table, the city’s deliciously unstoppable restaurant explosion means that, where there’s a fork in the road in San Diego, there’s something new to taste at every turn. (continued on page 86)
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Always Enjoy Responsibly. ©2013 Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A., Stella Artois® Beer, Imported by Import Brands Alliance, St. Louis, MO
A cut above.
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The dining room at Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar.
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MA H A
Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar
(Opened late April) When restaurateur John Ealy took over The Gathering’s Mission Hills address and gave it a much-needed facelift, he carried over some of the “homeruns” from his Harbor Island restaurant, The Boathouse. Those include panfried salmon and blackened rib eye. Unique to Harley are stout-braised short ribs, bone-in pork chops and other continental meals that match swimmingly to the booze-spiked punch bowls. 902 W. Washington St., Mission Hills 619.955.8451 harleygraykitchenandbar.com
El Agave
Tostadas de Atún from El Agave in Del Mar.
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(Second location opened in April) The tequila inventory at El Agave’s Del Mar Plaza outpost closely matches the vast collection of blancos, reposados and anejos seen at its original Old Town location. Coastal views serve as the backdrop to bottles of every shape, size and color, while luxuriant mole sauces and complex dishes hailing from Mexico’s southern states help soak up the two-ounce pours. 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar 858.793.0758, elagave.com (continued on page 88)
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Tidal
(Opened in April) Situated in a former private residence built by Hollywood producer Jack Skirball in the 1960s, this 3,000-squarefoot bayfront restaurant (formerly Baleen) puts chef Amy DiBiase in the driver’s seat. The ensuing culinary ride involves settling comfortably into riveted aviator chairs to savor DiBiase’s California adaptations of Mediterraneaninspired seafood dishes as well as wood-roasted chicken confit and her famous ricotta gnudi (type of gnocchi). 1404 Vacation Rd., Mission Bay 858.460.6363, tidalsd.com Seared scallops with English pea puree, crispy prosciutto and parmesan froth at Tidal.
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Circa Restaurant
(Opened in April) After working three decades for other kitchens (Delicias, Flagship Cruises, the former Vagabond), chef Mike Almos goes solo with rustic recipes laced with craft beer. Steak and meatloaf are draped in red ale gravy, and bratwurst receives the pale ale jus it deserves. Almos cranks up the cool factor inside his homey dining room with a whole tree serving as the bar top, and a vintage sound system used for spinning vinyl. 2121 Adams Ave., University Heights 619.269.9152, circasd.com
Fresh produce from Connelly Gardens farm in Ramona. Whole Fish dish at Ironside Fish & Oyster.
Ironside Fish & Oyster
(Opened in April) Ironside’s whole-fish section is a welcome rarity in San Diego, but then again non-conformity was exactly what CH Projects (Craft & Commerce, Neighborhood, El Dorado Cocktail Lounge, Noble Experiment, Underbelly, Soda & Swine, Polite Provisions) had in mind when snagging Michelinstarred Jason McLeod as its top toque. Coming ashore in this transformed Little Italy warehouse are oyster po’ boys and crafty lobster rolls on house-made buns, beer-braised mussels and copious fresh oysters. 1654 India St., Little Italy 619.269.3033, ironsidefishandoyster.com (continued on page 90)
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Inside the Gaslamp’s new Union Kitchen & Tap.
DINING O U T ///
(continued from page 89)
Union Kitchen & Tap Gaslamp
(Opened in May) Union Kitchen & Tap’s branching from Encinitas brings original dishes into the Gaslamp, including chia seed-crusted albacore, Duroc pork medallions and Skuna Bay salmon. The new location is also larger, featuring a charcuterie station, a spacious patio and garage doors that draw in the Fifth Avenue bustle as guests imbibe craft beers and inventive cocktails built using fresh herbs, fruits and chili peppers. 333 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp 619.795.9463, gaslampunion.com
Breakfast is served at Richard Walker’s Pancake House in La Jolla.
Richard Walker’s Pancake House
(Second location opened in May) Mahogany millwork with stained-glass accents lend unexpected élan to this wildly popular breakfast/lunch operation, which spawned an overdue second location in the space formerly occupied by Forever Fondue. The menu duplicates the top movers seen downtown: monstrous apple and Bavarianstyle pancakes baked in ovens (no syrup necessary); four-egg omelets and corned beef hash ground in-house (ravenous appetites required). 909 Prospect St., La Jolla 858.459.8800, richardwalkers.com
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Table 10
(Opened in June) The chef’s table adjacent to the kitchen marks the namesake spot where up to 10 occupants can dine while witnessing dishes like mushroom grits and red-curry halibut in the making. Ample seating extends throughout the remainder of the restaurant, which operated as The Corner before owner Cooper McLaughlin teamed up with chef Jason Gethin (formerly of Union Kitchen & Tap in Encinitas) for a complete redesign. 369 10th Ave., East Village 619.550.1262 tablenumber10.com (continued on page 92)
Crispy Chicken with roasted carrots, fennel and velouté at Table 10.
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A. The
(continued from page 91)
B.
Patio on Goldfinch
(Opened in June) The owners of PB’s The Patio on Lamont Street bring to a mini restaurant row in Mission Hills dishes spotlighting sustainable seafood as well as regionally sourced meat and produce. Additional draws include a temperature-controlled cheese cave and living green walls. Libations abound in the form of wines on draft, craft beer and an array of agave spirits. As for non-alcoholic beverages, forget Coke or Pepsi — all of the soft drinks are house-made. 4020 Goldfinch St., Mission Hills 619.501.5090, thepatiosd.com
B. Café
C.
A.
Cantata
(Opened in June) After establishing Fig Tree Cafe at three locations within San Diego proper, Johan Engman took inspiration for his newest concept from Johan S. Bach’s “Coffee Cantata,” a composition about a woman addicted to caffeine. The North County café replaces Pannikin Coffee & Tea with an all-day menu featuring egg scrambles, salads, paninis, smoothies and pastries. A large coffee bar provides the jolts with mild-to-bold house blends. 2670 Via de la Valle, Del Mar 858.925.7297, mycafecantata.com
C. Bake
Sale Café & Bakery
(Opened in June) Restaurateur Terryl Gavre has risen to the occasion, bringing to East Village a walk-in urban bakery. Daily offerings, which include pies, lemon bars, sticky pecan buns and cookies, will also supply her other nearby operations: Café 222, ACME Southern Kitchen and Bankers Hill Bar & Restaurant. The 1,100square foot bakery obliges with a few indoor/outdoor tables for swooning over the sweet stuff or savoring sandwiches made with fresh-baked breads. 815 F St., East Village 619.515.2224, bakesalesd.com
D.
D. Bijou
French Bistro
(Opened in June) Enter through a façade of hand-carved stone to appease those hankerings for pâté de campagne (pork liver) and coq au vin at the new Bijou French Bistro, which replaces Amaya La Jolla. The Parisian-style menu is powered by William Bradley, executive chef at Addison in The Grand Del Mar, and his former sous chef, Shaun Gethin. Hand-painted frescos, wrought-iron chandeliers and a wine cellar are among the Old World trappings that catapult patrons to the land of ragout and soufflés. 1205 Prospect St., La Jolla 858.750.3695, bijoufrenchbistro.com
Rare Form
(Opened in June) CH Projects’ ninth venture delivers a Jewish-style deli that downtown sorely lacked. Chef Aldo Negrete (of Whisknladle and Jsix) shows off house-cured meats along with stacked Reuben and pastrami sandwiches. The big twist is a dedicated schnapps bar headed by mixologist Anthony Schmidt, who made his mark at other CH hotspots such as Nobel Experiment and El Dorado. 795 J St., East Village ch-projects.com
E.
E & F. Sonata
F. A: Vegetarian skillet at The Patio on Goldfinch; B: Whimsical art at Café Cantata; C: Buttery cream scones at Bake Sale; D: Bijou French Bistro chefs William Bradley (left) and Shaun Gethin; E: Downtown views at the High Note Café; F: Rendering of Sonata Bistro. 92
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Bistro and High Note Café
(Opened in June) Symphony Towers receives its first serious breakfast/lunch eatery to the tune of parfaits, rotisserie chicken, wok bowls and more at the ground-floor Sonata Bistro. Twelve floors above is High Note Café, where guests ponder the downtown view over caffeinated drinks and fresh pastries. Both ventures were launched by Giuseppe Ciuffa, an established local caterer who also runs Sculpture Court Café in Balboa Park and Museum Café at the Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla. 750 B St., Downtown 858.999.8217, sonatabistro.com (continued on page 94)
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Don Chido ABOVE: Offerings from Don Chido’s Santa Maria Grill. BELOW: Mac ‘n’ cheese at Draft.
(Opening early July ) The 4,000-square-foot Fifth Avenue space that was Fred’s Mexican Café has radically transformed into Don Chido, which loosely translates (from Spanish, using a word used chiefly in Mexico) to “Mr. Cool.” The RMD Group (FLUXX, Side Bar, F6ix, Ciro’s Pizzeria & Beerhouse) project is also backed by Ken Lovi of downtown’s Knotty Barrel Gastropub and Chef Antonio Friscia, who uses an authentic Santa Maria grill to fire up smoky meats and seafood that land in tacos, fresh tortillas and home-style entrees. 527 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp 619.232.8226, donchido.com
Draft
(Opened in June) Craft beer arrives in Mission Beach via a 60-tap system that’s augmented by equally fine noshes such as pork belly corn dogs, pistachio-crusted salmon and steaks topped with bone marrow. Launched by Eat.Drink.Sleep., which operates Tower 23 and JRDN further north on the same boardwalk, Draft pours on the charm with ocean views and a 31-foot-tall LED wall that affords visitors lessons in beer-making. 3105 Ocean Front Walk, Belmont Park 858.228.9305, draftsandiego.com (continued on page 96)
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[ADVER TISEMENT]
Starlite, Star Bright Starlite, known for being an after-dark hotspot, has made a name for itself with its equally enticing farmto-table dinner and late-night offerings. A hexagonshaped entrance leads the way to a chic, stylish spot where your eyes will be immediately drawn to the twinkling lights of the impressive chandelier hanging above the bar. Dine in a luxurious cork den or sip a cocktail at the bar and enjoy savory chick pea-battered local greens ($7) or Starlite’s infamous All Natural Burger ($14). And it wouldn’t be a trip to Starlite without one of their creatively concocted cocktails. A must try for bourbon drinkers is the Kentucky Colonel ($9), built with house-made cherry vanilla bitters, bourbon, lemon, and ginger beer, and served in the same copper mug as the mule. Think of the Kentucky Colonel as the Starlite Mule’s whiskey-based cousin. 3175 India St., San Diego 619.358.9766 starlitesandiego.com
Starlite Mule. In 2007, Starlite resurrected the classic Moscow Mule from the ’50s, giving it a modern twist: Rain Organic Vodka, ginger beer, lime, Angostura bitters.
Come try the ONLY ramen and the BEST sushi in Pacific Beach restaurant & wine bar
INCREDIBLE LUNCH SPECIALS
Hot or cold ramen + choice of sushi roll + mini fried rice
D E L I V E R Y
Japanese tapas $1 sake shots Asahi Super Dr y on tap
4516 Mission Blvd., Ste. E, San Diego, CA 92109 • (FREE parking in rear lot.) izakayapb.com • facebook.com/izakayapb • 858.274.4272
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
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619.595.0115
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Común Kitchen & Tavern
(Opening early July) Working with partner Shane Brennan of Enlightended Hospitality Group (Stingaree, Searsucker, SUJA Juice and more), chef Chad White launches a “Baja-inspired gastro bar,” as he describes it, where guests can watch him cook from an exhibition kitchen. A see-through walkin cooler (aka glass-enclosed produce pantry) means there will be no secrets as to the freshness of Común’s ingredients, but what White will serve at his 10-seat chef’s table five nights a week is anyone’s guess. The regular menu spotlights open-faced tortas, fresh tostadas and fire-roasted lamb. In addition to tequila and mescals, there’ll be craft beer on self-serve taps and various wines hailing from Mexico. 935-945 J St., East Village comunsd.com
Común Kitchen & Tap’s Peach dish (camembert, crema, marcona, smoked ham hock and kettle corn).
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LUNCH.
Kob e s L ide r s, fo Ur - C Heese fries witH baCo N, side saLa d
t H e C i t y ’ s Hot t e st L at e - Ni gHt de ss e rt/Co C Kta i L s Ce Ne
dessert, dining, drinks 3950 fifth ave., Hillcrest 619.299.3227 dbarsandiego.com
d -b ar ow N e d a Nd o pe r at e d by Ce Le b ri ty C H e f K e e g a N g e r H a r d
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Easy
R E C I P follow meE !
Everybody’s Cream Say Hooray! for homemade ice cream
Recipe and photos by Brandon Matzek
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With its crisp, cinnamon-spiked oat crumble and spheres of purple-tinged ice cream, this seasonal dessert is the perfect ending to any hot summer day. Blueberry Ice Cream with Oat Crumble Topping starts with a base of simmered fresh blueberries flavored with lemon juice and sugar. The cooking process draws out some of the moisture while concentrating the blueberry flavor. After a quick strain, the resulting liquid, stained a deep shade of blue-purple, captures the pure essence of blueberry. (continued on page 100)
b r e a k fa s t
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dinner
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The Restaurant That Never Sleeps™
E St
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6th Ave
5th Ave
ABOVE: Chicken & Waffle BELOW: (clockwise from top left): Monte Cristo, Brian’s 24 Omelette, Fish Tacos, Carne Asada Fries
F St
Daily Happy Hour (Full Bar) 4 p.m.—7 p.m. $3 16-ounce draft beers $4 well drinks $5 food specials Lunch Specials, $9.99 Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. 828 Sixth Avenue
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Gaslamp Quarter
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619.702.8410
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W H A T ’ S COOKING ///
R E C I P follow meE !
(continued from page 98)
his flavor bomb is mixed into a French custard base, and then churned into a cold, creamy confection. A final sprinkling of crunchy oat crumbles provides a satisfying contrast in both flavor and texture. Making ice cream at home is easy to do, but you will need some special equipment (ice cream maker, fine-mesh strainer, plenty of bowls) and a little advanced planning. Start by preparing your ice cream base a day in advance. Letting the ice cream base chill overnight will help you achieve a perfectly creamy texture. You can also make the crumble topping a day in advance. Store in an airtight container until you are ready to serve.
Blueberry Ice Cream with Oat Crumble Topping Ingredients
For the ice cream: 4 cups fresh blueberries 1/4 cup plus 1 cup sugar Juice of 1/2 lemon 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 1 1/2 cups half-and-half 5 large egg yolks For the oat crumble topping: 3/4 cup flour 1/4 cup plus 1 1/2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 lbs. (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes and chilled 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats (not quick or instant cooking)
Process
Flavor foundation. Place blueberries, 1/4 cup sugar and lemon juice in a medium saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries release their juices and begin to cook down (about 20 minutes). You can help this process along a bit by gently mashing the berries each time you stir. Drain blueberry juice into a clean bowl using a fine mesh basket strainer, pressing berries to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Set aside. Be prepared. Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl and have another strainer ready. Add heavy cream to a medium-sized bowl and set aside. Custard base. Heat half-and-half and 1 cup sugar in a different saucepan over low heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove from heat when steam rises from the surface and the mixture is completely heated through. Meanwhile, whisk 5 egg yolks in a bowl until slightly thickened. Slowly, while whisking, add 1/2 cup of the warm half-andhalf mixture to the yolks. Once the 1/2 cup is incorporated, whisk in the remaining half-and-half mixture. Return the half-and-half/yolk mixture to the saucepan, and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. The custard is thick enough when steam rises from its surface and the custard coats the spoon. Strain the custard into the bowl with the heavy cream. Stir to combine. Blend and freeze. Add the blueberry juice to the custard mixture and stir. Place the bowl in the ice bath and stir occasionally to cool (be sure not to get any water in the custard mixture). Refrigerate until cold (at least 4 hours, but better overnight). Freeze custard in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Transfer to an airtight container and chill in the freezer for 2 to 3 hours before serving. Crumble and bake. Preheat an oven to 350°F and place a rack in the center of the oven. Add flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt to a medium bowl, stirring to combine. Using your hands, quickly work the butter into the flour-sugar mixture. Continue pressing the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles wet sand. Stir in the oats, then transfer the entire mixture to a rimmed baking sheet. Break up any clumps that are larger than 1/2-inch. Bake until the mixture turns golden brown and crisp (30 – 35 minutes), stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking. Let cool before sprinkling over the blueberry ice cream.
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D R INK ///
e
Cl
ub’s 10 T ik
of Cat Ey Six Appleton Silver Rum, Bénédictine, lemon, falernum
Scorpion Bowl
Baja Pipeline
El Dorado light rum, Maison Rouge V.S.O.P., orange juice, pineapple juice, lemon, orgeat syrup
Espolón Tequila, La Puritita Verda Mezcal, Chambord, lime, ginger beer
Tiki Toc
Turning back the clock to classic cocktails
By David Nelson / Photo by Sara Norris
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Cradle of Life Black Magic Dark Rum, lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice, orgeat syrup, Angostura bitters, green chartreuse
Cat
ks
Ballast Point Three Sheets Barrel Aged Rum, Ballast Point Three Sheets White Rum, guava purée, lemon juice (limit two per person)
Ghost of Blacks Beach
of the
rin
The Tourmaline Typhoon
id
Hair
Cat Tai Captain Morgan White Rum, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Myers’s Dark Rum, pineapple, falernum
It’s Tiki time all the time at the reimagined Cat Eye Club
in East Village, a relaxed cocktail bar that now sails guests to a fantasy Polynesia shaded by paper umbrellas and lubricated by Scorpion Bowls, which bubble like whirlpools and flame like volcanoes. “We’re paying our respects to ’50s and ’60s cocktail culture,” says general manager and partner Frank Miller. “I’m a big fan of spirits, the history of spirits and the Tiki Culture.” Cat Eye’s new illustrated menu parades rummy specialties served in goblets that mimic the carved Tiki figures of the South Seas. To understand Tiki, says Miller, just think Bali Hai, the San Diego waterfront landmark that six decades ago launched a craze for pineapple-flavored drinks and pu pu platters. Cat Eye’s Cat Tai — which blends three premium rums with pineapple and falernum (sweet syrup often found in Caribbean drinks) into one wickedly tasty drink — pays homage to Bali Hai’s famous Mai Tai. Sounds like Hai time for another cocktail.
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AleSmith Pale Ale 394
Two of America’s Finest’s finest — a Padres Hall of Famer and a brewing company named best in the country — are teaming up to produce a citrusy beer perfectly suited for baseball season. Famed Friars great Tony Gwynn (RIP) pitched in his preferences for a hoppy yet drinkable 6% ABV “San Diego” pale ale that Miramar’s AleSmith knocked out of the park. The name references the highest single-season batting average the career .338 hitter ever posted, which he did in 1994. AleSmith Brewing Company 9366 Cabot Dr., Miramar 858.549.9888, alesmith.com
Finest City beer — scene and heard By Brandon Hernández
do me a flavor New beers to cheers and brews to peruse
Amanda Vs. The Arbolcots
(continued on page 106)
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Brian doll
In another high-profile collaborative effort, Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station invited former Top Chef contestant and current Waypoint Public executive chef Amanda Baumgarten — who also happens to be an avid homebrewer — to produce one of her most ambitious recipes on their 10-barrel system. A saison brewed with apricots, chile de arbol, vanilla, savory and juniper berries, it’s slightly tart with reserved spiciness and a gin-like, herbal finish. Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens – Liberty Station 2816 Historic Decatur Rd., #116, Point Loma 619.269.2100, stonelibertystation.com
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(continued from page 104)
July beer events
Hops to It
on tap
What’s new or coming soon
Beer Brewing Company
Operating under the most straightforward moniker in the brewing biz, this nanobrewery is nuzzled within Oceanside’s purposely untraditional Mexican eatery, Bull Taco, and is linked to neighboring, buzz-generating eatery Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub. Owner Haven Harris aims to tackle every style known to man, one barrel at a time, while serving up beers from other local breweries in his tiny, eclectically furnished taproom and backyard beer garden. Beer Brewing Company 1813½ South Coast Highway, Oceanside beerbrewco.com
Oggi’s Pizza Express
Oggi’s is introducing a pair of new fast-casual outlets geared toward suds-savvy youth. The first is installed in the brandnew Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union at SDSU. Pursuing a degree is not a prerequisite for enjoying a night of ’za and brews at the other Oggi’s Pizza Express in PB. Oggi’s Pizza Express 5500 Campanile Dr., College Area 825 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach oggispizzaexpress.com
RIGHT: What’s on tap at Beer Brewing Company. BELOW: It’s in the can at Fat Cat Beer Company.
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Fat Cat Beer Company
A bunch of fat cats are renting out the brewhouse at Vista’s Latitude 33 Brewing Company to get their beers locally brewed and into the San Diego market. It’s called Fat Cat Beer Company, a can-anddraft outfit that’s expanding its reach to local bars and store shelves with its sessionable brews and collaboration creations made in tandem with Latitude 33. There will also be specialty beers brewed just for locals, proceeds from which will benefit a variety of charity organizations. Fat Cat Beer Company 1430 Vantage Ct., #104, Vista 760.598.2337, lat33brew.com
Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits
Topping off a phenomenal year of growth that saw the company blossom into the 29th largest craft brewery in America, Ballast Point recently started brewing at the newest and largest of its four brewing facilities. The 107,000-square-foot building (that’s about 2.5 indoor acres) in the Miramar area will feature a 15,000 square-foot tasting room with a restaurant component. It’ll be the second food-and-eats spot for the company, following in the footsteps of its wildly popular Little Italy tasting room and kitchen. Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits 9045 Carroll Way, Miramar ballastpoint.com
Hamilton’s Tavern Second Saturday It’s no wonder the second Saturday of each month sees long lines forming outside Hamilton’s Tavern. That’s when the owners invite their favorite breweries over to share some of their rarest specialty and cask beers. This month’s guest, Mira Mesa’s Green Flash Brewing Company, is bound to pack ‘em in. What this event lacks in elbow room, it makes up for in consumable bliss, thanks in large part to a free, edible buffet of dishes built to sop up all those suds. July 12, 1521 30th St., North Park hamiltonstavern.com Urge’s Fourth Anniversary The bon vivants who brought craft brew appreciation to Rancho Bernardo in a big way are celebrating their success with three days of festivities. The long weekend’s special include a one-time-only one-pound burger, wings made with Carolina Reapers (the hottest peppers on Earth) and fantastical tap lists including anniversary beers crafted especially for Urge by Maui Brewing Co. and Mother Earth Brew Co. in Vista. July 25-27, 16761 Bernardo Center Dr., Rancho Bernardo urgegastropub.com
P A U L BO D Y
Tomato Panzanella salad and session IPA Even Keel (now available in cans) at Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits.
Brandon Hernรกndez is a native San Diegan with a fervent passion for craft beer and the talented individuals who produce it. He is a Senior Communications Specialist for Stone Brewing Co., an editor for Zagat, has served as a consultant to Food Network and contributes to national and San Diego-based magazines including The Beer Connoisseur, Imbibe, Wine Enthusiast, West Coaster and more. The first publication for which he ever wrote about beer was PacificSD. Follow him on Twitter: @sdbeernews and @offdutyfoodie. j u ly 20 1 4 / PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM
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Ruby R7.19osE
San Diego Pride sandiegopride.org Festival Australian DJ and model Ruby Rose Langenheim downed 100 shots of beer in 100 minutes — and kissed random strangers on a busy Sydney street — to land her first gig as an MTV VJ in 2007. In the years since, she has toured with the likes of Nicki Minaj and Calvin Harris. This past March, Rose got engaged to famed British novelist Roald Dahl’s granddaughter, Phoebe Dahl. (See more EDM listings on page 118)
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ENJOY RESPONSIBLY
©2013 Anheuser-Busch, Bud Light® Platinum Lager (Ale in OR & TX), St. Louis, MO
j u ly 20 1 4 / PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM
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By Catlin Dorset
Matisyahu San Diego County Fair sdfair.com
Sounds Like A Plan
Reggae rapper Matthew Paul Miller goes by his Hebrew name Matisyahu, meaning “Gift of God.”
July concert calendar 7/1: Deafhaven @ The Casbah, casbahmusic.com Five-piece metal band out of San Francisco. 7/1: Huey Lewis and the News @ San Diego County Fair, sdfair.com Pop rockers most known for their ’80s hits “The Power of Love,” “The Heart of Rock & Roll” and “If This Is It,” among many others. 7/1: Asher Roth @ The Irenic, casbahmusic.com Alt. hip-hop artist touring to promote his new album, RetroHash. 7/1: Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers @ Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com The Jerk star/actor/comedian is also a musician who performs with fellow bluegrass acts Steep Canyon Rangers and Edie Brickell. 7/2: REO Speedwagon @ San Diego County Fair, sdfair.com This rock band known for its tunes “Keep on Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling” will co-headline a tour with Chicago beginning in August. 7/2: Peter Murphy @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Celebrating his 10th solo album, the “Godfather of Goth” will tour the world until mid-August. 7/3: Eddie Money @ Casino Pauma, casinopauma.com This rock music singer-songwriter recently played a travel agent in a GEICO commercial, in which he sings his ’70s hit, “Two Tickets to Paradise.” 110
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7/4: Nipsey Hussle @ House of Blues, hob.com Hip-hop artist who’s collaborated with Drake, YG and Snoop Dogg. 7/4: America @ San Diego County Fair, sdfair.com English folk rock band most recognized for its songs, “A Horse with No Name” and “Sister Golden Hair.” 7/5: Yngwie Malmsteen @ Ramona Mainstage, ramonamainstage.com Swedish heavy metaler Lars Johan Yngve Lannerbäck (spelled like it sounds) goes by his stage name, Yngwie Malmsteen. 7/5: Jerry Lee Lewis @ Harrah’s Resort SoCal, harrahsresortsocal.com This rockabilly legend married wife number three (of seven, so far) when he was 22 years old — the bride was his 13-year-old cousin. 7/5: Grand Funk Railroad @ San Diego County Fair, sdfair.com Popular ’70s hard rock band on its 45 Years of Grand Funk tour. 7/5: Kenny G @ Thornton Winery, thorntonwine.com Jazz saxophonist who’s collaborated with the likes of Whitney Houston, Frank Sinatra and Aretha Franklin. 7/6: Bob Weir and RatDog @ Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com Grateful Dead founding member Bob Weir is on the road again with fellow rock band mates RatDog.
7/6: KISS and Def Leppard @ Sleep Train Amphitheatre, ticketmaster.com Hard rock foursome KISS was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April. 7/8: KEnny Loggins @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com This soft rocker appeared in the Grand Theft Auto V video game as a radio station DJ. 7/9: Ted Nugent @ Ramona Mainstage, ramonamainstage.com Rocking Michigander known for speaking out against President Obama and for gun ownership rights. 7/9: Chevelle @ House of Blues, hob.com Alt. metal band promoting its newest album, La Gárgola (Spanish for “the gargoyle”), with a summer tour of the same name. 7/9: Wye Oak @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com TV shows The Walking Dead and One Tree Hill have featured these indie rockers’ song “Civilian.” 7/10: Brad Paisley @ Sleep Train Amphitheatre, ticketmaster.com Grammy Award-winning country singersongwriter known for hits, “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song),” “Alcohol” and “Ticks,” among many others. (continued on page 112)
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luckybastardsaloon.com j u ly 20 1 4 / PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM
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7/10: Rings of Saturn @ SOMA, somasandiego.com Bay Area deathcore band into extraterrestrials and outer space.
7/12: Bleeding Through @ SOMA, somasandiego.com O.C. hardcore punk band on its Final West Coast Tour.
7/10: Quiet Riot @ House of Blues, hob.com The 1983 hit “Cum On Feel the Noise” is the most famous song by this heavy metal group, whose documentary, Well Now You’re Here, There’s No Way Back: The Quiet Riot Story, premiered at the Newport Beach Film Festival in April.
7/12: Wynonna @ Pechanga Resort & Casino, pechanga.com The country singer-songwriter and actress has performed with Kid Rock, Sting, Patti Labelle and many others during her 30-year career.
7/11: The Growlers @ The North Park Theatre, thenorthparktheatre.com Psychedelic rock band from Dana Point. 7/11: Cloud Nothings @ Soda Bar, sodabarmusic.com Indie rockers touring to promote their album Here and Nowhere Else, which dropped in April. 7/11: MattyB @ House of Blues, hob.com Eleven-year-old rapper Matthew Morris (born in 2003) became a YouTube sensation with his G-rated rhyme spitting.
7.12
7/13: Little River Band @ Sycuan Casino, sycuan.com This folk rock band’s song “Reminiscing” plays in the movie The Other Guys, starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg.
7/13: MKTO @ House of Blues, hob.com Currently topping the charts with their hit single “Classic,” this pop duo will open for singer/actress Demi Lovato on her world tour this fall.
7/13: Steely Dan @ Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com Rock and Roll Hall of Famers on their Jamalot Ever After tour.
7/13: Chris Botti @ Thornton Winery, thorntonwine.com This jazz trumpeter took home the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Album.
Synthpop singer-songwriter and keyboardist Elly Jackson (the sole member of La Roux, which used to include co-founder/producer Ben Langmaid) struck a chord in 2009 with her megahit “Bulletproof.”
la roux
House of Blues
hob.com
7/16: The Antlers @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Indie rockers promoting their newest album, Familiars, which dropped June 17. 7/16: Chris Isaak @ Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com Rockabilly singer-songwriter known for songs “Wicked Game” and “Baby Did a Bad, Bad Thing,” among others. 7/17: Rev Run @ Searsucker Del Mar, searsucker.com The former Run-DMC hip-hopper now stars in the DIY Network show Rev Run’s Renovation with wife Justine.
7/11: Cher @ Valley View Casino Center, valleyviewcasinocenter.com Pop music icon and actress Cherilyn Sarkisian (Cher, for short) released her 25th album, Closer to the Truth, in September.
7/18: Jurassic 5 @ Del Mar Concert Series, delmarscene.com Six-piece hip-hop group out of Los Angeles.
7/11: Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band @ Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com In 2011, Rolling Stone readers ranked the former Beatles rocker No. 5 on its “Best Drummers of All Time” list.
7/19: Don Carlos @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Ocean Beach dub reggae rockers Slightly Stoopid’s 2012 track “Marijuana” featured this Jamaican reggae artist.
7/11: Reverend Horton Heat @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Songs from this rockabiliy trio from Texas have been used in several video games and TV commercials.
7/19: Everclear @ Harrah’s Resort SoCal, harrahsresortsocal.com Alt. rockers on their Summerland 2014 tour with Soul Asylum, Eve 6 and Spacehog.
7/11-12: Boz Scaggs @ Embarcadero Marina Park South, sandiegosymphony.org This blues/rock singer-songwriter owns Scaggs Vineyard in Napa Valley, where he makes wine with his wife, Dominique.
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7/19: Andy Grammer @ House of Blues, hob.com This pop rocker is expected to release a new studio album, Magazines or Novels, later this summer. (continued on page 114)
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(continued from page 112) 7/19: Dru Hill @ Pala Casino, palacasino.com Purchase concert tickets and connect with other R&B fans by downloading the Dru Hill app on iTunes and Google. 7/20: Jewel @ Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com Folk pop songstress who, between her barista duties, got her start singing at the former Java Joe’s in Poway. 7/20: Deborah Cox @ San Diego Pride Festival, sandiegopride.org R&B singer-songwriter most recognized for her 1998 hit, “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here.” 7/20: Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo @ Harrah’s Resort SoCal, harrahsresortsocal.com Wife and hubby rock duo, touring to promote their 35th Anniversary Tour. 7/22: The Doobie Brothers @ Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com Classic rockers most known for their ’70s tunes, “Listen to the Music,” “Black Water” and “What a Fool Believes.” 7/22: The Neighbourhood @ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu This indie rock quintet will tour through October, promoting its first studio album, I Love You.
7/23: Jimmy Cliff @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Wyclef Jean inducted this reggae musician into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. 7/24: The Aquabats @ House of Blues, hob.com Alt. rock band with an affinity for ridiculous, matching blue costumes. 7/24: OK Go @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com In 2011, these alt. rockers performed for President Obama at his 50th birthday celebration. 7/24: Tori Amos @ Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com Alt. rocker and pianist promoting her newest album, Unrepentant Geraldines, with an international tour by the same name. 7/25: Goo Goo Dolls @ Harrah’s Resort SoCal, harrahsresortsocal.com Pop rock band that rose to fame in 1998 after writing the song “Iris” for the movie City of Angels. 7/25: The Cult @ Del Mar Concert Series, delmarscene.com British rockers who enjoyed maximum exposure during the 2012 Super Bowl when their song “She Sells Sanctuary” was featured in a Budweiser commercial.
7/22: Shaggy @ House of Blues, hob.com Reggae-pop singer-songwriter still riding the success of his 2000 hits, “It Wasn’t Me” and “Angel.”
Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay
humphreysconcerts.com This country crooner and sometimes actor was briefly married to Julia Roberts in the ’90s. (continued on page 116) 114
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Mich a e l Wi l s o n
7.23
Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes begins at or about 12:00 AM CT on 5/7/14 and ends at 11:59:59 PM CT on 8/14/14. Open only to legal U.S. residents of CA who reside within an eligible ZIP Code. 21+ years of age. For Official Rules, including how to enter, eligible ZIP code list, prize details and restrictions, visit www.MillerLite.com or millerlite.com/sdconcert. Void where prohibited.
Š2014 MILLER BREWING CO., MILWAUKEE, WI
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(continued from page 114) 7/26: Kevin Gates @ UCSD’s Porter’s Pub, porterspub.com Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment company manages this rapper from New Orleans. 7/26: Slightly Stoopid @ Sleep Train Amphitheatre, ticketmaster.com These dub reggae rockers from Ocean Beach are stopping in San Diego during their Summer Sessions 2014 tour with opening acts Stephen Marley and NOFX. 7/26: Say Anything @ House of Blues, hob.com This rock band dropped a new album, Hebrews, on June 10. 7/26: Donavon Frankenreiter @ Harrah’s Resort SoCal, harrahsresortsocal.com Songs by this soft rock musician and surfer (and friend/protégé of Jack Johnson) have been featured in films Georgia Rule and Snakes on a Plane. 7/27: Dierks Bentley @ Sleep Train Amphitheatre, ticketmaster.com Country music singer-songwriter most known for his hit singles, “5-1-5-0,” “I Hold On,” “What Was I Thinkin’” and more. 7/27: The Voice Tour @ The Civic Theatre, sandiegotheatres.com NBC’s hit show The Voice brings past favorite contestants and last season’s finalists to cities all over the U.S. for a Top 40 concert. 7/27: Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers @ Sycuan Casino, sycuan.com Gatlin brothers Larry, Steve and Rudy form this Texan country trio. 116
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foxy shazam Belly Up
bellyup.cm These Ohio rockers released a new album, Gonzo, in April.
7/27: Boston @ Pechanga Resort & Casino, pechanga.com ’80s rock ‘n’ roll band on its Heaven on Earth summer tour. Boston is also playing at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay on 7/30. 7/30: John Hiatt @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Songs by this folk rock guitarist have been covered by Bob Dylan, B.B. King, Willie Nelson and many others. 7/30: Mötley Crüe @ Sleep Train Amphitheatre, ticketmaster.com Heavy metalers set to retire at after wrapping up The Final Tour in November. 7/30-31: Shwayze @ Typhoon Saloon, typhoonsaloon.com This rapper’s song “Get U Home” was featured in the horror flicks Sorority Row and Piranha 3D. 7/31: The Hold Steady! @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Five-piece alt. rock group influenced by Bruce Springsteen, Jay-Z and everything in between. 7/31: Los Lonely Boys @ Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com Their debut single “Heaven” won these Chicano rockers a Grammy Award in 2005.
Jason Latimer
can walk through solid objects. It must be an illusion, but it’s happening before your eyes. And it’s real. You know those Vegas-style illusion shows where they levitate above the stage? This guy’s better than that. Combining jaw-dropping illusions with physics, psychology, chemistry, mathematics and technology, World Champion of Magic Jason Latimer empowers audiences to question everything in PERCEPTION: See Beyond the Illusion, a limited engagement of live performances at Balboa Park’s Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.
TICKETS: Purchase tickets at rhfleet.org or at the museum. Tickets to PERCEPTION include admission to ILLUSION and all of the other interactive exhibits at the Fleet.
SHOWTIMES: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. through August 31st (in conjunction with the Fleet’s new ILLUSION exhibition)
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
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1875 El Prado, Balboa Park
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619.238-1233
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rhfleet.org
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july edm shows
By Catlin Dorset
7/4: Whiiite @ BASSMNT, bassmntsd.com Dance music DJ making waves with his current remix of Future’s “Move that Dope” featuring Pharrell, Pusha T and Casino. Opening set by Meaux Green. 7/4: Hot Mouth @ Hard Rock Hotel San Diego’s Float Rooftop, fourtune421.com The former member of LA Riots left the successful twosome in 2011 to craft his solo/EDM sound as Hot Mouth. 7/5: Redfoo @ Hard Rock Hotel San Diego’s Intervention Sundays, interventionsd.com Electro house producer most recognized for being half of LMFAO. 7/5: Norin and Rad @ BASSMNT, bassmntsd.com Progressive trance duo from Orange County. 7/5: Sultan & Ned Shepard @ Harrah’s Resort SoCal’s Dive Day Club, divedayclub.com Tiësto recently collaborated with this Canadian house act on the single “Close to Me.” 7/6: Trent Cantrelle @ Hard Rock Hotel San Diego’s Social Sundays at 207, fourtune421.com This L.A.-based house DJ/producer played EDC Las Vegas in June. 7/6: Gareth Emery @ Hard Rock Hotel San Diego’s Intervention Sundays, interventionsd.com Top-ranking English EDM DJ/producer touring to promote his new album, Drive. 7/10: Vinai @ FLUXX, fluxxsd.com Italian brothers Andrea and Alessandro Vinai comprise this electro house duo. Mike Hawkins co-headlines.
MORGAN P7.13agE interventionsd.com
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego’s Intervention Sundays
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This Grammynominated DJ recently received Chipotle’s prestigious burrito card, granting him free burritos for life.
7/10: gLAdiator @ BASSMNT, bassmntsd.com These house DJs said they derive musical inspiration from the L.A. Lakers and all things Mila Kunis. 7/11: Overwerk @ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com Now on his debut U.S. tour, this Canadian electro producer and songwriter has licensed music to Prada, Lamborghini, GoPro and other companies.
7/11: E-Rock @ FLUXX, fluxxsd.com Eric Nagrampa, aka DJ E-Rock, is the Saturday night resident DJ at the popular Haze Nightclub in Las Vegas. 7/11: Candyland @ BASSMNT, bassmntsd.com These electro dubstep-ers won back-toback Beatport remix contests with their versions of Skrillex’s “Make it Bun Dem” and Bingo Players’ “Rattle.” 7/12: Ookay @ Harrah’s Resort SoCal’s Dive Day Club, divedayclub.com Remixes by this locally based producer have received recognition from Steve Aoki, Nervo, Krewella and other bignames in the world of EDM. 7/12: Ashley Wallbridge @ BASSMNT, bassmntsd.com This DJ’s debut album, The Inner Me, topped dance music charts in 2012. 7/12: Lee Foss @ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com Deep house beat-maker from Illinois who’s also a member of house band Hot Natured. 7/18: Cash Cash @ BASSMNT, bassmntsd.com EDM trio most recognized for their 2013 smash, “Take Me Home,” featuring Bebe. 7/19: Swanky Tunes @ BASSMNT, bassmntsd.com This house music trio released their latest single, “Fire In Our Hearts,” on June 13. 7/19: tyDi @ San Diego Pride Festival, sandiegopride.org Australian songwriter and dance DJ Tyson Illingworth (tyDi, for short) was signed to Armin Van Buuren’s music label at age 17. 7/19: Robbie Rivera @ San Diego Pride Festival, sandiegopride.org Latin-influenced electro house remixer Robbie Rivera owns the Juicy Music record label with his wife, Monica. 7/20: Dash Berlin @ Hard Rock Hotel San Diego’s Intervention Sundays, interventionsd.com Dutch trance act expected to drop its newest album, We Are (Part 1), on August 29. 7/31: Paris Blohm @ FLUXX, fluxxsd.com Progressive house DJ Paris Blohm collaborated with songstress Taylr Renee on recent single, “Left Behinds,” released June 9.
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Blondes Away!
Bartending besties fall head-over-squeals off The Bridge to Nowhere By Michael Benninger / Photos by Tim King
B
FFs since 2008, Kim Stone (pictured in blue tank top) and Natasha Ross (white tank top) sling drinks on the boardwalk at PB Shore Club, “Where Grand Meets the Sand,” as the megapopular beach bar’s slogan goes. “When I met Kim, my first thought was, ‘Wow, she must have back problems, due to
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her ample, um... assets,’” says Ross. “But then I thought, ‘With my astounding wit and her perverted humor, we’re definitely gonna be good friends.’ She’s like a sister to me now.” Stone has similar feelings about her behind-the-counter counterpart. “When I met Tash, I thought, ‘This girl is almost as funny as me and she talks just as much as I do,’” she says. “We have such
similar personalities and got along right away. We finish each other’s sentences all the time. It’s so weird.” “Everyone jokes that we should have a reality show,” says Ross, “but then our families would disown us and we’d likely be unhirable in any future careers. We’re that inappropriate.” (continued on page 122)
™
®
Serve Responsibly. Modelo Especial Beer. Imported by Crown Imports, Chicago, IL
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(continued from page 120)
When these two get together, every day is an adventure. Today, PacificSD is sending them to the San Gabriel Mountains, northwest of San Bernadino, where they’ll bungee jump from The Bridge to Nowhere. After a two-hour drive from San Diego, Stone and Ross meet their guides from Bungee America at a campground located five miles from the bridge. Then, after hiking over the water and through the woods for another two hours, they arrive at the jump site, gear up and go — plummeting from 120 feet above the San Gabriel River. “Looking down at the water 10 stories below, I heard the encouragement of everyone around me as they counted down to my jump,” says Stone after catching her breath. “As I leaped, I thought, ‘What the hell am I doing?’ It was, however, an incredible feeling, jumping into the air at that speed. I’ve swum with sharks, backpacked alone in several countries and rappelled down a mountain in a remote Colombian village, but this, by far, is the scariest thing I’ve ever done.” Things went less smoothly for Ross. “Getting over the ledge and onto the small platform was the hardest part,” she says. “I was just paralyzed and had to have the instructors lift my leg over for me. It’s an insane experience, looking down over the canyon at the water. I was laughing and screaming and shaking like some kind of weirdo, and at the same time had tears in my eyes. I didn’t soil myself, so that was a plus.” Unlike many of the cocktails they pour, Stone and Ross managed to stay off the rocks in the San Gabriel River. While ordering a drink from them at PB Shore Club might seem like taking a leap of faith, at least they’d probably be down to join in any adventure that might ensue. PB Shore Club 4343 Ocean Blvd., Pacific Beach 858.272.7873 pbshoreclub.com Bungee America 310.322.8892 bungeeamerica.com
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Taking the Leap Diving headfirst into summertime romance By David Perloff / Photos by Brevin Blach
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ore than a million people attend the San Diego County Fair each year. That’s a lot of fried food, carnival rides and farm animals — not to mention concerts, car shows and, this year, interactive Beatles and JFK exhibits. Blind daters Tiffany and Nino met for the first time about half an hour ago and are now cruising north to the fair in an Epic limo. Before they arrive, let’s review their pre-date interviews.
PacificSD: What do you do for a living? TIFFANY: I’m a hairstylist at A Robert Cromeans Salon in the Gaslamp. I also freelance with Abide Fashion and Be Water Photo for fashion shows at clubs and other venues in the San Diego area. NINO: Bartender at BASSMNT, the best night club in S.D. What do you do for fun? TIFFANY: I embody fun, therefore everything I do is fun, except dishes. I like to be outside, try new things, go to new places and discover new things about myself and others. Learning is fun. NINO: I like to go on hikes a lot, with my dog when possible; traveling; exercise; anything in the water, especially bodysurfing and paddle boarding; playing sports; Charger games; concerts; having BBQs with my friends and Sunday Fundays.
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What are you looking for in a date, physically and/or otherwise? TIFFANY: Kind, funny and quickwitted, with intellect. No mommy issues, please. Physically, I’m not as concerned. As long as he showers regularly and actually washes his feet, we’re going to be alright. NINO: I’m a face or butt guy, so hopefully she’s got one of those on point. Otherwise, I just hope the person is fun and doesn’t think I’m ridiculous.
Rate yourself on a scale from one to 10 for looks. TIFFANY: Saturday night, 9.75; Sunday morning, seven. NINO: I guess 9.9. Nobody’s perfect.
Describe your special brand of sex appeal in five words or less. TIFFANY: How about more than five? An orgasmic breath of fresh air sure to quench even the thirstiest sailor. NINO: Italian/Puerto Rican beach boy.
Fill in the blanks: I want my blind date to be “blank” and “blank.” TIFFANY: Fit, fearless and into good music. NINO: Sexy and outgoing.
What’s the most important thing in the world? TIFFANY: Acceptance and humility. NINO: Familia y amigos… and my dogs. When they arrive at the fair, the daters walk through the Beatles exhibit, where Tiffany jumps onto Nino’s back for the walk down Abbey Road. Next up was going to be fried food, but we (we, the camera crew, who are staying on the ground) decide to get bungee jumping out of the way first.
Will the night end with a kiss, something more or something less? TIFFANY: Depends if we end up in Mexico or not. All boundaries fall
THANK YOU! Epic Limo 858.270.LIMO (5466) epiclimo.com (continued on page 126)
How about for personality? TIFFANY: I’ve been hanging out with me for years and I have great taste in humans, so let’s say 10. NINO: Ten. I have a perfect personality.
when I cross the border. NINO: I never kiss on the first date.
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(continued from page 124)
My FAIR lady
It’s a bird, it’s a plane… whatever it is, it isn’t Nino
T
iffany is giddy with excitement as the safety crew tightens her harness and tethers her to the bungee cord that will soon hold her (fingers crossed) to a platform dangling above the Del Mar coastline. Nino looks like he’s going to pass out. Despite Tiffany’s prodding ( and the ride operator’s announcing that a five-year-old boy and a 92-year-old woman survived their jumps) Nino refuses to take the plunge. He agrees to go along for the ride, however, and is pacing and looking skyward as he steps into the basket for the precarious ascent. When the basket reaches 130 feet, a gate opens, and Tiffany appears on the precipice. Then, in an instant, she dives from the platform. Watching her fall and hearing her scream gets the adrenaline pumping among spectators on the ground, so the experience must be have been intense for the jumper herself. Back
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on the ground moments later, she’s high-fiving the safety crew. Arm in arm, Tiffany and Nino walk to Chicken Charlie’s for fried Oreos and a Krispy Kreme triple cheeseburger, the latter of which is comprised of two doughnuts, three beef patties and lots of cheese. (Eat your heart out, Paula Deen… it may be stopping soon, anyway.) As the sun sets, the couple jumps back into the limo for the ride to dinner at East Village’s ACME Southern Kitchen, a creation by restaurateur Teryl Gavre (Café 222, Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant, Bake Sale Cafe & Bakery). Once inside, they sit in a booth by a window overlooking E Street and order appetizers before being split for mid-date debriefings. PacificSD: How’s it going so far? TIFFANY: It’s going really well. He’s not really funny, but he’s really fun to laugh at [laughs]… in a good way. NINO: Good, I like it a lot. She’s
really easy to talk to, and we have a lot of stuff in common. She doesn’t get scared and she’s not timid. That’s what I like. What were your first impressions? TIFFANY: My first impression was that he was a total beefcake that lived in Clairemont and drove a big truck. NINO: Well, we both have tattoos. She’s a pretty chick; she’s got herself on point. She’s got a good personality and she’s fun to talk to. Is this the type of person you’d normally date? TIFFANY: I don’t really have a type, so yes. Does he have a pulse? NINO: Yeah, I kinda go through phases. She’s someone I might have dated five or six years ago, and then I went into a different phase. For the last few years, I’ve been more into ethnic chicks. Now, I’m kind of over that and back into what I dated before… which are chicks like her. (continued on page 128)
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(continued from page 126)
How was the Fair? TIFFANY: The fair was fun. I haven’t been in a while, so it was good. NINO: The fair was cool. I haven’t been in a couple years. I wish we could’ve stayed longer. How was bungee jumping? TIFFANY: That was pretty scary, actually. I had never done anything like that, but I figured, PacificSD’s paying for it, so I better. I called him a big, fat pussy for not doing it. NINO: It looks a lot higher once you’re up there, but she handled it. She called me a big pussy, then jumped off. I thought that was pretty cool. How was the fried food? TIFFANY: The Krispy Kreme burger was so good; I’m definitely
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having that at my next dinner party. And then the deep-fried Oreo — I’ve had it before, and it was equally as disgusting as before, but delicious at the same time. NINO: I had fried Oreos for the first time. They were amazing. I’ve actually really wanted to try the Krispy Kreme cheeseburger, which was so good, too. What’s the most attractive thing your date has done so far? TIFFANY: Helped me in and out of the car. NINO: Oddly enough, I think it’s when she called me a big pussy and jumped off the ledge of the bungee jump with no fear. That was pretty badass. Chicks can be hot or whatever, but there’s hot, and then there’s hot and having a little bit of an edge to you.
What would your parents say if you brought your date home? TIFFANY: My mom would probably say, “You should get pregnant as soon as possible.” NINO: Half of my family hates tattoos, half of them don’t care, so it depends which half she saw. But I definitely think they’d like her. Rate your date on a scale of one to 10 for looks TIFFANY: He’s an 11. He’s got beautiful, almond eyes. NINO: Probably a nine. How about personality? TIFFANY: Ten. NINO: Ten. Do you want to kiss your date now? TIFFANY: No, I think I want to
make him work for it. NINO: I’m still taking my time. Does your date want to kiss you? TIFFANY: Probably. NINO: I honestly have no idea. Tiffany says Nino’s a beefcake. He says he liked when she called him “a big pussy.” There’s no way this date isn’t going to end well, or at least with a good story. THANK YOU! San Diego County Fair 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar 858.755.1161, sdfair.com Super Bungee (Amusement Management International) 972.394.8359, gojump.com (continued on page 130)
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(continued from page 126)
so FAIR, so good
It’s a match, from midair to mid-date
A
s the couple’s entrees arrive, the camera crew finally leaves them alone to enjoy the rest of their evening in privacy. The next morning, we call to see what we missed. PacificSD: How was dinner at ACME Southern Kitchen? TIFFANY: I don’t know where one gets rooster wallpaper, but that is the jam. I really liked that place, reminds me of growing up in Florida, although Nino told me that Florida isn’t really the “South.” NINO: I thought the place did a great job of matching the décor and music with the southern food, and loved the Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson playing the whole time. What did you eat and drink there? TIFFANY: I had a glass of chardonnay and tons of food — deviled eggs, my fave; fried tomatoes; and chicken and waffles with collard greens on the side. NINO: I had some pinot noir and 130
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the pulled pork sandwich with mac ‘n’ cheese. What did you do after dinner? TIFFANY: We took the limo to the wrong Marriott, which was totally my fault. Then went to Altitude and had a shot of Jameson, water, and a vodka and soda. Then we went to my house. NINO: After ACME, we went to the Altitude rooftop lounge for some drinks and to hangout. When did you get home? TIFFANY: We got to mi casa at midnight. I changed into sweats; we listened to music and had a beer to finish up the calorie-dense evening. NINO: At 1:30 a.m., I think. Was there a kiss or romantic exchange? TIFFANY: I think I kissed him first. NINO: I never kiss and tell. What two things would you change about your date to make
the person a better fit for you? TIFFANY: His soul patch and the amount of gel he wears in his hair. NINO: I’m a late-night person, and she’s an early morning person; but besides that, I wouldn’t really change anything. What was the best part of the date? TIFFANY: Eating chicken and waffles. Hanging out at my house and watching him pick through my iTunes was good, too. NINO: I think dinner, and then drinks after. By that time, we had gotten to know each other a little bit and could really just hangout and talk. What was the worst part of the date? TIFFANY: He is in denial. He thinks the hair growing underneath his bottom lip isn’t a soul patch... and that women like it. NINO: The bungee jumping. I hate heights. Will there be a second date?
TIFFANY: We talked about going paddle boarding. He can ask me again sans alcohol. I would totally go and get to know him. He is deeper and more complex than he seems on the surface. NINO: If going to punk rock shows and paddle boarding is considered a date, then yes. AFTERMATCH: Nino was scared to jump but bold enough to admit it, which helped Tiffany see past his hair gel and all the way to a kiss. It just goes to show, being a “big, fat pussy” doesn’t mean you can’t also be the cat’s whiskers (aka soul patch). Tiffany said she was looking for a guy who’s “fit, fearless and into good music.” That’s two out of three for young Nino. As a sheep in the Fair’s petting corral might bleat, not baaaaaaad. THANK YOU! ACME Southern Kitchen 901 E St., East Village 619.515.2225, acmekitchensd.com
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Four O’Clock Fridays A downtown girl’s best bet
(before/after/instead of the track)
Fridays, 4 - 10 p.m. Grand Opening July 11 $4 champagne flutes $4 skinny martinis Complimentary tray-passed hors d’oeuvres Well-heeled men (most of them)
756 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp Tel.: 619.795.3036
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