PACIFIC San Diego Magazine: July 2019

OFF TOTHE RACES

Del Mar Racetrack marks 80th season with big hats, parties, music and all-out fun July 2019

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

INSIDE MORE MAJOR EVENTS, INCLUDING COMIC-CON AND PRIDE WEEKEND, CORONADO DINING SCENE EXPANDS, COLORFUL EXHIBITIONS, CONCERTS TO GROOVE TO AND LOL COMEDIANS

CELEBRATE ALL THE REASONS YOU LOVE SAN DIEGO, S TICKET ALL SUMMER LONG! T A T TAR

S 20!

JUST $

THIS SUMMER, EXPERIENCE

THE FINEST FOOD & DRINKS

SAN DIEGO HAS TO OFFER AT BAYSIDE SUMMER NIGHTS

EMBARCADERO MARINA PARK SOUTH

INTRODUCING JUN 28–29

JUL 7

STAR SPANGLED POPS

DVOŘÁK’S NEW WORLD SYMPHONY

JUN 30

JUL 12

PLAY BALL: A SYMPHONIC CELEBRATION OF THE PADRES AT 50

LEGENDARY WOMEN’S VOICES: AN EVENING WITH CYNTHIA ERIVO

JUL 4 7PM

JUL 13–14

LYLE LOVETT AND HIS LARGE BAND*

HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE™ IN CONCERT

JUL 5

THE DOO WOP PROJECT

COPLEY SYMPHONY HALL

JUL 19

GALAXY QUEST™ IN CONCERT

THE MIDTOWN MEN*

JUL 6

Stars from the original Broadway cast of Jersey Boys

BLAIS

COPLEY SYMPHONY HALL

JUL 20

BACK TO THE FUTURE IN CONCERT

Menus curated by Chef Richard Blais

JUL 25

CONGAS AND BONGOS: CELEBRATING “MONGO” SANTAMARÍA AND JACK “MR. BONGO” COSTANZO*

JUL 26–27

AUG BEETHOVEN BY THE BAY AUG 4 8

HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD: A NIGHT AT THE OSCARS

A NANCY WILSON TRIBUTE*

JUL 28

AUG 9–10

COMMON WITH THE SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY

CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE PRESENTS THE BEATLES’

SGT. PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND

AUG 1–2

STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK™ IN CONCERT

AUG 16–17

SOME ENCHANTED EVENING: THE BROADWAY HITS OF RODGERS, HAMMERSTEIN & HART

AUG 3

AUG 18

THE B-52s PLUS VERY SPECIAL GUEST BERLIN*

BLUES TRAVELER*

[

FOOD AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE DAY OF CONCERT:

Our new food pavilion,

BY THE BAY

We are excited to announce our partnership this year with Chef Richard Blais, television personality and partner in local restaurants Juniper & Ivy and The Crack Shack. Richard has hand-created a selection of menus for guests in the Champagne Section as well as Blais Boxes – picnic box meals available for pre-order for all ticket holders. Both will feature some of Richard’s favorites for summer dining by the bay.

FINEST CITY EATS,

located behind the Grandstand, features: BIGA, LOLA 55, Seaside Market, Achilles Coffee, Bread & Cie, and Cravory Cookies.

VISIT SANDIEGOSYMPHONY.ORG/DINNER FOR MORE INFORMATION!

TICKETS & INFORMATION

SANDIEGOSYMPHONY.ORG | 619.235.0804 804 AUG 22

MILES DAVIS: MILES AHEAD +19*

AUG 23

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN IN CONCERT

AUG 24

CHAKA KHAN WITH MACY GRAY*

AUG 25

THE O’JAYS PLUS THE COMMODORES*

AUG 30–31 SEP 1

1812 TCHAIKOVSKY SPECTACULAR

[

*The San Diego Symphony Orchestra does not appear as part of these concerts. HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia a are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. J.K. ROWLING`S WIZARDING WORLD™ J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JK JKR. R. (s19) © 2019 & TM LUCASFILM LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © DISNEY.

CELEBRATE ALL THE REASONS YOU LOVE SAN DIEGO, S TICKET ALL SUMMER LONG! T A T TAR

S 20!

JUST $

THIS SUMMER, EXPERIENCE

THE FINEST FOOD & DRINKS

SAN DIEGO HAS TO OFFER AT BAYSIDE SUMMER NIGHTS

EMBARCADERO MARINA PARK SOUTH

INTRODUCING JUN 28–29

JUL 7

STAR SPANGLED POPS

DVOŘÁK’S NEW WORLD SYMPHONY

JUN 30

JUL 12

PLAY BALL: A SYMPHONIC CELEBRATION OF THE PADRES AT 50

LEGENDARY WOMEN’S VOICES: AN EVENING WITH CYNTHIA ERIVO

JUL 4 7PM

JUL 13–14

LYLE LOVETT AND HIS LARGE BAND*

HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE™ IN CONCERT

JUL 5

THE DOO WOP PROJECT

COPLEY SYMPHONY HALL

JUL 19

GALAXY QUEST™ IN CONCERT

THE MIDTOWN MEN*

JUL 6

Stars from the original Broadway cast of Jersey Boys

BLAIS

COPLEY SYMPHONY HALL

JUL 20

BACK TO THE FUTURE IN CONCERT

Menus curated by Chef Richard Blais

JUL 25

CONGAS AND BONGOS: CELEBRATING “MONGO” SANTAMARÍA AND JACK “MR. BONGO” COSTANZO*

JUL 26–27

AUG BEETHOVEN BY THE BAY AUG 4 8

HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD: A NIGHT AT THE OSCARS

A NANCY WILSON TRIBUTE*

JUL 28

AUG 9–10

COMMON WITH THE SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY

CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE PRESENTS THE BEATLES’

SGT. PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND

AUG 1–2

STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK™ IN CONCERT

AUG 16–17

SOME ENCHANTED EVENING: THE BROADWAY HITS OF RODGERS, HAMMERSTEIN & HART

AUG 3

AUG 18

THE B-52s PLUS VERY SPECIAL GUEST BERLIN*

BLUES TRAVELER*

[

FOOD AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE DAY OF CONCERT:

Our new food pavilion,

BY THE BAY

We are excited to announce our partnership this year with Chef Richard Blais, television personality and partner in local restaurants Juniper & Ivy and The Crack Shack. Richard has hand-created a selection of menus for guests in the Champagne Section as well as Blais Boxes – picnic box meals available for pre-order for all ticket holders. Both will feature some of Richard’s favorites for summer dining by the bay.

FINEST CITY EATS,

located behind the Grandstand, features: BIGA, LOLA 55, Seaside Market, Achilles Coffee, Bread & Cie, and Cravory Cookies.

VISIT SANDIEGOSYMPHONY.ORG/DINNER FOR MORE INFORMATION!

TICKETS & INFORMATION

SANDIEGOSYMPHONY.ORG | 619.235.0804 804 AUG 22

MILES DAVIS: MILES AHEAD +19*

AUG 23

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN IN CONCERT

AUG 24

CHAKA KHAN WITH MACY GRAY*

AUG 25

THE O’JAYS PLUS THE COMMODORES*

AUG 30–31 SEP 1

1812 TCHAIKOVSKY SPECTACULAR

[

*The San Diego Symphony Orchestra does not appear as part of these concerts. HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia a are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. J.K. ROWLING`S WIZARDING WORLD™ J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JK JKR. R. (s19) © 2019 & TM LUCASFILM LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © DISNEY.

EDIT OR’S N OTE

New Adventures

I

n an editor’s letter I penned in December 2017, I talked about the best gift one can receive: adventure — something I still wholeheartedly stand behind.

Recently, my life has been chock full of adventure. Some of that adventure was gifted to me — a few days in the fresh mountain air of South Lake Tahoe — and some of that adventure was earned by a lot of hard work and persistence — my role here at PACIFIC. To date, being editor-in-chief at this magazine has been one of the greatest adventures of my life. When I managed to get up from behind my desk, I was able to meet so many amazing people in the community. Over the past two years, I have celebrated with them at new openings, rocked out at concerts together, danced like nobody’s watching, worked on a buzz at local coffee shops alongside them and shed a tear over the loss of longstanding businesses in town, not to mention having the honor of being among some pretty badass women, too.

Then came along an extremely adventurous week in June at a particularly adventurous crossroad in my life. On June 8, I experienced the wedding of my dreams to an incredible man surrounded by close friends and family at my childhood home, which was then followed by those aforementioned glorious days in the outdoors at Lake Tahoe. And, as if that wasn’t adventurous enough, on the drive up to my nuptials in Northern California, I was offered a new job.

While it was no easy decision, adventure, in the end, led me to say “yes” to that offer. So, after a 14-year career with PACIFIC’s parent company, The San Diego Union-Tribune, including two years as editor-in-chief of this magazine, I say farewell to you, our loyal community of readers along with a host of amazing people that over the years I have come to call

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JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

my work family.

In my absence, I ask this of you: Prove to whomever takes this seat in the future that PACIFIC’s mission of Life’s Cool is alive and well by continuing to pick up the magazine and scanning the pages for inspiration for your next great adventure.

Thank you,

Leslie Hackett

@leslieallyse

It’s a Gift

Volume #13 | Issue #7 | July 2019

Actually, it’s a bunch of prizes Register to win tickets to these July events and more at pacificsandiego.com/contests.

Life’s cool in San Diego. Here’s proof:

Into the Horizon Enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets to nurse your Fourth of July hangover at Horizon Music Festival, where performers like Big Boi, Elephante, Justin Caruso and more will hit the stage while you bask in the San Diego sunshine. Winners chosen July 3.

KENNETH RAY SEALS

July 6 at Embarcadero Marina Park North

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Leslie Hackett

MANAGING EDITOR

Jennifer Ianni

STAFF WRITER COPY EDITOR ART DIRECTORS

DESIGNERS

PRODUCTION/ DESIGN DIRECTOR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Doug Loves Comic-Con

JARED GASE

Comedian (and San Diegan) Doug Benson is a Comic-Con mainstay. Enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets to a special live recording of his podcast, Doug Loves Movies: Comic-Con Edition.

July 17 at American Comedy Co.

FR ED ER IC K M . BR OW N/GETTY IMAGES

Let Them Eat Cake

DAVID BROOKS

The Observatory North Park transforms into 18th century France for an extravagant party that would please even Marie Antoinette herself.

Dress to the nines (and even hide behind a mask, if you wish) and experience cirque acts, burlesque dancers, court jesters and musicians at A Midsummer Masquerade Ball: French Follies. Winners chosen July 23.

July 27 at The Observatory North Park

Register to win at pacificsandiego.com/contests 10

JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

Sara Butler Monica Hodes-Smail Anita L. Arambula, Gregory Schmidt Javier Gonzalez, Mark Opriska, Anthony Tarantino Michael Price Michael Benninger, Lisa Deaderick, James Hebert, Scott McDonald, Michele Parente, Kai Oliver-Kurtin, Peter Rowe

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

David Brooks

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES

Paul Ingegneri

SALES MANAGER

Katie Musolf

MULTIMEDIA ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Laura J. Schwartz John Vaccaro Pamela Razo Greg Johannsen

Life’s Cool.

Reach America’s finest readers via print, web, social, email, street team and events.

Read, click, connect... BOOM! PACIFIC is a media property owned

by The San Diego Union-Tribune.

pacificsandiego.com

@PACIFICSD 619.293.1945

A subsidiary of The San Diego Union-Tribune

CONTENTS JULY 2019

CURRENTS 14 Seven.Nineteen July events calendar 36 Laughing Stock July stand-up comedy shows PULSE 44 Art Beat July gallery + exhibition openings 50 Curtain Calls July performing arts preview TASTE 54 Island Time From casual to fancy, new dining options are popping up around Coronado 68 Full Plate July food + drink happenings 72 Take it From the Tap A monthly taste of beer from here GROOVE 74 Sounds Like a Plan July concert calendar 86 Take a Spin Upcoming EDM + DJ performances LOVE 88 All’s Fair in Love and War Blind daters take a spin at the San Diego County Fair

ON THE COVER: Jillian Hendrickson shows off her stylish hat during Opening Day at the Del Mar Racetrack. (Photo by K.C. Alfred) ON THIS PAGE: Sea Sponges I from the Skins Series by Melissa Meier will appear as part of the Dress Rehearsal exhibit at the Oceanside Museum of Art this month. See more visual arts listings on page 44.

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JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

on the airwaves Every month PACIFIC teams up with Facebook group Eating and Drinking in San Diego to bring podcast listeners the latest and greatest on San Diego’s food and drink scenes. You can find Dish It Up and Kiss My Glass on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month on your preferred podcasting platform.

Here’s what to keep your eyes and ears open for in July.

Dish It Up on July 8 with guest Sheep Riley of Big Front Door

OLD TOWN TEQUILA FACTORY & CANTINA

(buffet style) 2467 Juan St., Old Town (across from Heritage Park) 619.260.8124 | oldtowntequilafactory.com A spectacular scenic hillside spot for your Saturday or Sunday Champagne brunch with panoramic views from the Coronado Islands, over Old Town to Mission Bay. This traditional Mexican buffet, served 9 a.m. to 2 p.m, features sizzling steak, shrimp, carnitas or chicken fajitas and includes favorites like fresh menudo and pozole, cheese enchiladas, homemade chile rellenos, agave glazed ribs, flowing Champagne and more. At $26.99 (kids under 12, $12.99), it’s perfect for bridal/baby showers, birthdays, anniversaries, holiday parties and reunions. ............................................................................................................................................................

CHINA MAX

(table service) 4698 Convoy St., Kearny Mesa 858.650.3333 | chinamaxsd.com Experience the true delight of an authentic Chinese dim sum brunch, dozens of varieties (from $2.45) and their famous regular menu. Served Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. ............................................................................................................................................................

KAISERHOF GERMAN AMERICAN RESTAURANT

(table service) 2253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., Ocean Beach 619.224.0606 | kaiserhofrestaurant.com Enjoy Sunday brunch in Kaiserhof’s award-winning and quaint German American restaurant. Served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. the brunch menu features dishes such as German pancakes, eggs benedict, Kaiserschmarren, steak & eggs, poached salmon, omelets and more. Includes a glass of Champagne, mimosa or orange juice and fresh rolls and butter. From $12.95. ............................................................................................................................................................

OLD TOWN COSMOPOLITAN HOTEL & RESTAURANT

Kiss My Glass on July 22 with guest Tom Nickel of O’Brien’s Pub and Nickel Beer Co.

(table service) 2660 Calhoun St., Old Town 619.297.1874 | oldtowncosmopolitan.com A blend of American and Mexican favorites served in their uniquely historic setting, either on the patio or indoors. Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with entrees starting at $7.95 and $7 mimosas and Champagne. Kids under 12 eat free (one per paid adult). Additional kids, $5.95. ............................................................................................................................................................

PATRON’S CORNER

(table service) 332 J Street #102, San Diego 619.255.0492 | PatronsCorner.com Patron’s Corner offers traditional recipes from Mexico like huevos rancheros or chilaquiles and American favorites like, orange cranberry pancakes and brioche French toast using fresh and organic ingredients (when possible), served on the patio or indoors in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter. Bottomless mimosas are $12 with the purchase of an entrée. Their full service bar emphasizes tequila and mezcal, and also offers craft cocktails. An extensive vegan brunch menu is available upon request. They are also available for private events and buyouts. Served Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 9 a.m. ............................................................................................................................................................

94TH AERO SQUADRON (buffet style)

8885 Balboa Ave., Kearny Mesa 858.560.6771 | 94thsandiego.com Join 94th Aero Squadron Sunday for their Champagne buffet brunch. Buffet includes omelet bar and eggs benedict, Belgian waffle station, carved meats, fajita station, pasta station, dessert station, chocolate fountain and much more. Served from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with an early brunch special from 9 a.m to 10 a.m. Early pricing is $29.95 and regular pricing is $34.95 (per adult). Children ages 4-10 are $16.95.

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JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

CURRENTS WHAT’S HAPPENING RIGHT NOW

BY MICHAEL BENNINGER

7.18-21

Comic-Con International

Convention Center, downtown, comic-con.org Supermen and wonder women swarm upon the Convention Center as pop culture’s quintessential celebration returns for its 50th year.

7.13-14 HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE IN CONCERT

@ Embarcadero Marina Park South, downtown Fans of the sixth Potter film won’t want to miss this chance to catch Harry, Ron and Hermione on the big screen, while the San Diego Symphony performs the movie’s sweeping score.

7.16 HEROES VS. VILLAINS ART EXHIBITION @ Basic Pizza, downtown Showcasing creations inspired

by Star Wars, Star Trek and both DC and Marvel universes among other famous franchises, this annual exhibition highlights the heroes and ne’er-do-wells who’ve influenced generations of artists.

HAYNE PA LMOUR IV

7.16 ROOFTOP CINEMA CLUB: TOP GUN

@ Manchester Grand Hyatt, Embardero Enjoy a special screening of Tom Cruise’s classic film about Naval fighters while relaxing under the stars on the Hyatt’s fourth-floor rooftop.

7.17-21 NERDVANIA

@ Atomic, Gaslamp Expect an assortment of Funko statues, vinyl toys, Star Wars memorabilia and autographed comic books at this pop-up shop where the first 20 customers each day will receive a free tote bag bursting with nerdy treasures.

7.18 HOP-CON 7.0

@ Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, Liberty Station Beer geeks and nerds of all stripes are ar e invited to attend Stone’s yearly sip-fest sipsi pthat includes interactive art, three thre th re casks of w00tstout and gourmet food stations among other attractions.

7.19 7.1 COMIC-CON 2019 LIGHTSABER LIGH LI GH BATTLE

@ Main Ma Fountain, Balboa Park Jedi Jedi Masters and guests from galaxies gala ga la far, far away are welcome to take take part in this lightsaber challenge that that includes tournament prizes such as carefully c crafted illuminated weapons. we

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JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

AG AV E

EXPRESSIONISM

PLEASE ENJOY MILAGRO RESPONSIBLY. Milagro Tequila, 40% Alc./Vol. (80 Proof) ©2015 William Grant & Sons Inc., New York, NY.

M I L AG R O

M E A N S

M I RAC L E

C URRENT S | EVENTS 7.4 BIG BAY BOOM

Multiple viewing locations around the bay bigbayboom.com Grab a beach towel or lawn chair and lock down a prime viewing spot for 18 minutes of eye-popping pyrotechnics launched at 9 p.m. from four barges around the Big Bay.

7.4 JULY 4TH AT THE BEACH

Pier Plaza, Oceanside visitoceanside.org North County’s week of star-spangled events culminates with this family-friendly affair chock full of food, activities and merchants spanning the Strand from Oceanside Pier to Tyson Street Park.

7.5 SURFRIDER MORNING AFTER MESS

Beaches from Oceanside to O.B. sandiego.surfrider.org Repent for any sins you committed on the Fourth by collecting filth of the fifth as the Surfrider Foundation hosts its annual cleanup to collect tons of trash left behind by ignorant beachgoers.

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JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT JULY 11 - AUGUST 22 | 6:00PM - 8:30PM

07.11

07.18

07.25

JUSTIN FROESE

L E E C O U LT E R

CELESTE BARBIER

08.01

08.08

08.15

08.22

GABY APARICIO

LOLA

EVAN DIAMOND

ERIC FRENCH

C URRENTS | EVENTS

JARED GASE

7.7 SAN DIEGO VINTAGE FLEA MARKET

The Observatory, North Park sdvintagefleamarket.com More than 100 merchants display their turn-of-the-century and midcentury modern wares at this free, rain-or-shine event where leashed pups are always welcome.

T O W IN T IC K E T S , S!E E P A G E 10

7.6 FOURTH ANNUAL HORIZON MUSIC FESTIVAL

Embarcadero Marina Park North, Embarcadero intothehorizon.com Featuring live performances by Outkast’s Big Boi and DJ Elephante among others, this 21+ bayside event blends relaxation with rhythms from world-renowned artists.

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JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

ARLENE IBARRA

C URRENTS | EVENTS

GETTING RACY The Essentials for Opening Day at Del Mar Make it a day to remember with these expert tips

I

BY KAI OLIVER-KURTIN

t’s off to the races as the Del Mar Racetrack celebrates the start of its 80th season on Wednesday, July 17.

Thousands of spectators from across Southern California and beyond will gather for Opening Day festivities, including the longtime tradition of a hat contest. When gates open at 11:30 a.m., a parade of stylish and outrageous fashions will flow through the clubhouse, where race fans can place their wagers.

The daylong party will include between eight and 12 horse races, with about 30 minutes in between for guests to place bets ($2 minimum) and top off their cocktails.

The racetrack has been rooted in Hollywood glamour since 1937 when actor and singer Bing Crosby welcomed guests to the first race. Since then, the Del Mar Racetrack, “where the turf meets the surf,” has become the place to see and be seen. It’s time to pony up!

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JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

7.17-9.2 DEL MAR RACING SEASON

Del Mar Racetrack Del Mar, dmtc.com The iconic “turf meets the surf” racetrack celebrates its 80th season with a kickoff on July 17 filled with big hats and glamour followed by a month and a half of food and drink events, concerts, and, of course, daily races.

So, place your bets down at old Del Mar.

HAYNE PALMO UR I V

Large, ornate hats, elaborate fascinators and other headwear are longtime wardrobe staples of the Del Mar Racetrack, as are stiletto heels. Heel protectors like Grasswalkers (grasswalkers.com) can help with sinking into the ground while traversing the inner track area. To account for ocean breezes, spectators are advised to pack a light jacket or sweater.

Having cash on hand will streamline trips to the betting counter. And for those who plan to win big, a social security card is required to claim winnings, since they’re taxable.

Because not all seating areas or sections are shaded, guests should bring sunscreen, such as popular local brands Sun Bum (trustthebum.com) or Coola (coola.com). Get both sun protection and color with Sun Bum’s tinted lip balm (SPF 15), available in five shades to keep lips moisturized throughout the day. For a sun-kissed tan without skin damage or a funky smell, try Coola’s sunless tan luminizing face compact to add a shimmery glow to touch-ups.

WHERE TO SHOP

To prepare for Opening Day, the Flower Hill Promenade (flowerhill.com) in Del Mar is hosting a special event on July

13 by clothe+arrow and Thieves Like Us Collection that will include local vendor pop-up shops selling hats, dresses, jewelry and more. There will be a raffle, and light bites and sips will be served.

Visit L’Auberge Del Mar on July 15-17 to browse Christine A. Moore Millinery’s (camhats.com) pop-up shop filled with elegant hats. As the unofficial hat designer to the stars, Moore is best known for her extravagant Kentucky Derby hat designs.

For last-minute purchases and preparations near the track, the new One Paseo (onepaseo. com) shopping center includes high-end retailers Van De Vort and Whiskey x Leather that offer ready-to-wear looks. Book an appointment at Curbar nail salon for mani-pedi services, or Drybar hair salon to get a blowout that comes with complimentary mini hairspray for the track.

WHAT TO ROCK OUT TO

Beyond Opening Day festivities, the Del Mar Racetrack will

offer plenty of reasons to get to the track, including concerts that occur on Fridays and select Saturdays after the races have ended. The standing room only shows are 18+ and begin after the races at approximately 4 p.m.

All concerts are free with purchase of $6 racetrack admission, and increase to $30 after the last race of the day. For $50, upgrade to South Terrace VIP for a private concert viewing experience and other perks. Visit delmarracing.com for updates to the lineup.

2019 Concert Season Lineup: Friday, July 19: All American Rejects Saturday, July 20: Reggae Fest with Ziggy Marley Friday, July 26: J Boog Saturday, July 27: Midland Friday, Aug. 2: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Saturday, Aug. 3: Iration Friday, Aug. 16: Chase Rice Friday, Aug. 23: SOJA Friday, Aug. 30: Steel Pulse Saturday, Aug. 31: Angels & Airwaves Monday, Sept. 2: Wayward Sons

WHERE TO PARTY

As the races come to an end, several after-parties will be kicking things into high gear.

L’Auberge Del Mar will celebrate in style with its annual Opening Day After-Party from 5 p.m. to midnight, with entertainment provided by DJs FishFonics and Gabe Vega, and

TH EO WAR GO / GETTY IM AGES

WHAT TO BRING

beverages and bites available at food stations throughout the resort. Tickets are $229 in advance or $260 at the door, with VIP upgrades available (laubergedelmar.com).

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe’s Ultimate After-Party: Hats, Heels & Hooves will transform the resort’s lawn into an over-the-top evening of food, cocktails and special entertainment — including a champagne aerialist serving Moet, and music by Ryan Hiller and DJ Pros. Held from 5 to 10 p.m., the event will benefit a nonprofit that provides a home for retired thoroughbred horses.

Tickets start at $125, with VIP packages available (theinnatrsf.com).

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa’s After Pony Party will be an extravagant affair with all-you-can-eat food stations, a complimentary welcome cocktail, cash bar, DJ and dancing and plenty of photo ops. Guests can expect to see celebrity jockeys and luxury sponsors at the party, which kicks off at 6 p.m. Tickets are $125, with VIP experiences available (ranchovalencia.com).

Nick Wheeler and Tyson Ritter of All American Rejects will perform July 19.

@PACIFICSD JULY 2019

21

C URRENTS | EVENTS 7.7 PAWMICON

Comic-Con Museum, Balboa Park animalcenter.org Dress up with your doggo and engage in cosplay for a cause at this free, superhero-themed spectacle featuring music, games and plenty of pups.

7.11 DRAG ME TO THE DEL

Hotel Del Coronado, Coronado hoteldel.com Willam, Lady Bunny and numerous other notable drag performers strut their stuff during this evening of unforgettable entertainment at San Diego’s most celebrated hotel.

STEVEN FERDMAN / G ETTY IMAGES

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JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

7.11 DUDE PERFECT

MATT WINKELMEYER / G ETTY IMAGES

Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl, San Diego State University, dudeperfect.com The Texas-based sports entertainment group from YouTube fame brings their athletic antics to town as part of their Pound It Noggin Tour.

A D O P T. F OS TE R . V OL U N TEER . www.paws4thoughtrescue.com | 323-363-4129 |

! /PAWS4thoughtrescue

C URRENT S | EVENTS

7.12-14

San Diego Pride

Balboa Park, Hillcrest and surrounding area, sdpride.org The city’s largest Pride celebration spans three days and includes an assortment of activities and entertainers, including the following events: HAYNE PALMOUR IV

7.12 THE SPIRIT OF STONEWALL RALLY

@ The Hillcrest Pride Flag Kick off Pride weekend by tuning in to talks from inspiring speakers and recognizing local LGBTQ leaders who continue to unite our city’s diverse communities.

7.13-14 THE FESTIVAL

@ Marston Point, Balboa Park Celebrating diversity and inclusion through cultural presentations and exhibits, this summertime bash returns to the west side of Balboa Park with merchant booths, community resources, and four stages of live entertainment, including headliner Melissa Etheridge.

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JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

@ University Avenue at Centre Street, Hillcrest Suit up in your rainbow regalia for this fast, flat 5K that follows the same route as the parade it precedes.

7.13 PRIDE PARADE

7.12-14 UNITE MUSIC FESTIVAL

@ Spin Nightclub, Mission Hills This all-inclusive nightlife experience brings together folks from all walks of life through laughter, dance and live music.

7.13 PRIDE 5K RUN

7.13 PRIDE ON THE PIER

@ B Street Pier, Embarcadero Party on the Pacific Ocean while surrounded by stunning views of the Bay and the San Diego skyline at this bash featuring full bars and more outdoor space than previous years’ events.

@ The Hillcrest Pride Flag Join more than 250,000 cheerful attendees at this year’s 1.5-mile parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising and starting on University Avenue near Normal Street.

REAL ESTATE MARKET WATCH

PACIFIC BEACH, 92109

Stunning 1928 Spanish Home with Sweeping Ocean, Bay and City Views! Located near Kate Sessions Park in coveted north PB on a spacious corner lot, this original Spanish home exudes character and charm. Old world Spanish craftsmanship including Saltillo tile, handcarved wood beams, wrought iron details, red oak flooring & 2 original Spanish style fireplaces. Additional features includes custom cedar shutters, kitchen anchored by a Viking range & 2 car garage. Tranquil covered patio with rose & shade garden!

1776 Beryl St, San Diego, CA 92109. $1,495,000

PACIFIC BEACH MARKET UPDATE # of homes for sale: 132 # of homes sold: 56 Highest price: $11,999,000 Lowest price: $257,500 Average home price: $1,059,179

With interest rates at all time lows and the summer season starting, there is no better time to buy. Market activity is the strongest during the summer months. With the increase in buyers, it is a great time for sellers to list their homes as many people are ready to complete a real estate transaction during the summer season before the holidays start up again. Home prices are expected to continue to rise through 2019. For buyers looking to make a home purchase, the sooner the better while interest rates remain low.

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C URRENTS | EVENTS

7.13 SUN AND SEA FESTIVAL

Portwood Pier Plaza, Imperial Beach, sunandseafestival.com Following an “Under the Sea” theme, I.B.’s annual beach bash boasts a pancake breakfast, a community parade and worldclass sandcastle sculptors amid live music, a farmers market and oodles of activities for young’uns.

CHADD CADY

7.13 COUNTRYFEST

Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar kson.radio.com Southern rockers including Randy Houser (pictured), Rodney Atkins and Uncle Kracker among others perform their top tunes for aficionados of country music.

7.13 VIGILUCCI’S BEACH BOCCE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP XXXIX

Dog Beach, Del Mar, beachbocce.com Scores of teams compete to “kiss” balls as one of San Diego’s most reputable restaurant groups hosts its annual lawn bowling tournament benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad.

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JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

KEVIN WINTER / G ETTY IMAGES

REAL ESTATE MARKET WATCH

DOWNTOWN, 92101

1 BED, 1.5 BATHS 1210 SQ FT $799,900

A loft like no other. Parkloft is known for its cool, highly customizable lofts that incorporate concrete walls, elevated ceilings and exposed pipes. Combined with beautifully upgraded bathrooms, gleaming tile floors, custom paint and other finishing touches give this loft a nice balance of industrial and class. Built-out bedroom encased with framed frosted glass panels provides privacy while maintaining the loft feel. Additional features include built-in cabinetry and office workspace with Murphy bed, full-size stacked washer/dryer, 2 parking spaces and storage. Enjoy the roar of the crowd as you peer into Petco Park! Located in East Village close to Gaslamp and an endless supply of dining and entertainment options!

877 Island Ave #908 San Diego, CA 92101

DANNECKER & ASSOCIATES Chad Dannecker | Broker| CalBRE# 01459513 619.356.3099 | Chad@WelcomeToSanDiego.com

VISIT US ONLINE AT WELCOMETOSANDIEGO.COM

C URRENTS | EVENTS 7.13 BALANCE FESTIVAL

Lane Field Park, downtown balancefestsd.com PACIFIC magazine, along with The San Diego Union-Tribune, presents this one-day health and wellness festival that aims to inspire attendees to become their best selves through informative seminars, group exercises and invigorating interactive activities.

7.13-14, 20-21 66TH ANNUAL OVER-THE-LINE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT

Fiesta Island, Mission Bay, ombac.org Three-player teams with off-color names duke it out to see who can bat balls the farthest as Mission Bay’s long-running BYOB bonanza returns to Fiesta Island.

7.11, 18, 25 SUMMER & SONGS

The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch summerand songs.com Enjoy free music by the likes of Justin Froese (July 11), Lee Coulter (July 18) and Celeste Barbier (July 25) during this weekly outdoor concert at the Village Square Courtyard at The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch in Carmel Valley.

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JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

7.19 GALAXY QUEST WITH THE SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY

Copley Symphony Hall, Downtown, sandiegosymphony.org Academy Award-nominated composer David Newman conducts the cinematic score he composed for the cult-classic sci-fi spoof about the cast of a 1970s space drama that’s suddenly transported to an extraterrestrial vessel operated by an oppressive alien race.

C URRENTS | EVENTS

T O W IN T IC K E T S , S!E E P A G E 10

7.27 A MIDSUMMER MASQUERADE BALL: FRENCH FOLLIES

The Observatory, North Park northparkcarnival.com Don a disguise and travel back in time to 18th-century France for an opulent evening of outlandish performers including jesters, musicians, Cirque acts and burlesque dancers among other entertainers.

7.26-28 12TH ANNUAL SUPERGIRL SURF PRO

Oceanside Pier, Oceanside supergirlpro.com The world’s leading female surfers (including Bethany Hamilton) descend upon Oceanside for this three-day competitive festival featuring fashion, fitness, a concert headlined by Natasha Bedingfield and more than 50 merchants.

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JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

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C URRENT S | EVENTS

7.28 SOLANA BEACH TRIATHLON, DUATHLON AND AQUABIKE

Fletcher Cove, Solana Beach, kozevents.com This athletic event, sanctioned by USA Triathlon, includes courses along the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway, where an expo, beer lounge and high-five tunnel await participants at the finish line.

MICHAEL PATRI CK McMORROW

7.28 COMMON WITH THE SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY

Embarcadero Marina Park South, downtown sandiegosymphony.org The actor, activist and Grammy-winning hip-hop artist joins America’s finest symphony for a one-night showcase featuring classic hits and fresh selections from his forthcoming album.

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JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

PADRES HOME GAMES 7.1-3 vs San Francisco Giants 7.12-14 vs Atlanta Braves 7.26-28 vs San Francisco Giants 7.29-30 vs Baltimore Orioles HAYNE PA LMOUR IV

FIND US AT LANE FIELD PARK ON JULY 13, 2019

FIND YOURSELF FIND BALANCE

[B A L A N C E ]

PROMOTION

BALANCE FESTIVAL It’s time to rise up and breathe passion into everyday life.

PACIFIC Magazine and The San Diego Union-Tribune bring you a one-day health and wellness festival that will leave you feeling revitalized, knowledgeable and empowered. This one-day health and wellness event will inspire attendees to be their best selves through informative seminars, group exercises and interactive activities. Doors open at 9 a.m., and outdoor group exercises run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Live music, hard kombucha lounge, healthy snacks and interactive activities.

SATURDAY, JULY 13, 10 A.M. - 3 P.M. MAIN STAGE

Large outdoor group exercises for up to 500 people.

Lane Field Park Morning and Afternoon Session -Yoga by Corepower Yoga -HIIT by Orangetheory Fitness -Meditation

ROOFTOP DECK

Small rooftop group exercises for up to 75 people.

Spring Hill Suites Morning and Afternoon Session -Barre -Pilates by Club Pilates -Laughter Yoga by Breakthrough Play

LIVE a healthy lifestyle. THINK about the future. BE in the present.

BALANCE Festival Lane Field Park | 1009 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 921010 TICKETS START AT $25 balancefestsd.com

[B A L A N C E ]

Orangetheory Fitness will be teaching two HIIT classes at the outdoor Main Stage at BALANCE Festival.

ORANGETHEORY FITNESS More coaching. More results. MORE LIFE. Orangetheory Fitness is one of the world’s fastest-growing fitness franchises and the leader in boutique training spaces. Their purpose is to give people a longer, more vibrant life by helping them get more life from each workout! Orangetheory workouts incorporate endurance, strength and power to generate the “Orange Effect,” which keeps calories burning for up to 36 hours after a 60-minute workout.

And it works! Whether you’re an athlete or a beginner, there is something for everyone, and their coaches tailor the workout to your needs. Get your tickets to BALANCE Festival at balancefestsd.com to try one of their HIIT workouts, or head to their website to book your first class.

Orangetheory Fitness Bankers Hill | Carlsbad | Carmel Valley | Del Sur Eastlake | Encinitas | La Costa | La Mesa | La Jolla | Mission Valley Point Loma | Poway | San Marcos | Solana Beach | UTC orangetheoryfitness.com

COREPOWER YOGA

corepoweryoga.com Join CorePower Yoga at BALANCE Festival on July 13 for two sessions on the main stage at Lane Field Park and turn stress into sweat. Their signature class strengthens, balances and detoxifies your entire body and mind as you move through more challenging postures and connected breath. Set to an energizing playlist, you’ll power up your yoga practice like never before.

Take your practice up a notch and get your tickets at balancefestsd.com

CLUB PILATES

clubpilates.com Get moving towards a more healthy, balanced life with Club Pilates. They will be at BALANCE Festival on July 13 presenting two mat Pilates sessions on the Rooftop Deck. Experience an improved posture and stronger core while calming your mind and boosting your self-confidence. Get started towards feeling better and get your tickets at balancefestsd.com

C URRENT S | C OM E DY

Laughing Stock July stand-up roundup

BY MICHAEL BENNINGER

7.28

RUSSELL PETERS

@ Humphreys by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com

tonight so far. I’ve talked about white people a lot already. But I’ve got to talk to you a little bit more because I’ve got to talk to you about your parenting skills. Every time I see it on the news, I get really irritated. ‘You shouldn’t beat your children.

Don’t beat your kids. Talk to them. Give them a time out.’

Beat the motherf**kers, that’s what I’m trying to tell you.”

— Russell Peters on Outsourced 36

JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

JAY L. CLENDEN IN

Now, white folks, I hope “ you’ve enjoyed yourselves

C URRENTS | C OM E DY

7.4 BRAD UPTON

@ Del Mar Fairgrounds, sdfair.com

“

7.5-7 TONY ROCK

@ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

“

Another thing I had to get used to in L.A.: all the different ethnicities. I had to get used to it. I’m from Brooklyn — blacks, whites, Puerto Ricans, that’s it.

That’s it. I come to L.A., blacks, whites, Asians, Persians, what the f**k is an Armenian? I thought that s**t was a suit. I’m in the club, ‘Ni**a, is your hands clean? This is Armenian, ni**a.’”

— Tony Rock on Def Comedy Jam

I was flipping through the channels the other night and I came across a senior golf tournament. I thought, who’s watching seniors play golf?

Who has the kind of time in your life? You know what I would watch, though? Senior cage-fighting. I don’t think I could sleep if I knew that was on. Couple of 20-year-olds in a cage, they’re going to fight in another month. Couple of 80-year-olds, that’s a death match. Tap out, crap out, nap out, that’s how that’s going to end.”

— Brad Upton at Dry Bar Comedy

7.12 DANIEL SLOSS

@ Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org

I have the sniffles. I “ don’t really mind the

GETTY IMAGES

sniffles because it means I get to sneeze, and I love sneezing.

It’s my favorite thing.

People say sneezing is a quarter of an orgasm.

I’m gonna say it’s a full one. I enjoy them that much. Very similar to an orgasm in that you need tissues afterwards and you shouldn’t do it in a stranger’s face.

It’s very important to remember the differences, guys.”

— Daniel Sloss on CONAN

7.5-7 ADAM RAY

@ The Comedy Store, thecomedystore.com/la-jolla

I think the Kardashians “ should be on a full season of BEYOND SCARED STRAIGHT, then I’d keep up.”

— Adam Ray on Twitter 38

JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

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C URRENTS | C OM E DY 7.11-13 JEFF DYE

@ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

“

I found out that I had dyslexia back in 2031.”

— Jeff Dye at the Laugh Factory

T O W IN T IC K E T S , S!E E P A G E 10 7.17 DOUG BENSON

@ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

I’ve got to make a “ tough decision today: 7.12-14 GREG FITZSIMMONS

@ The Comedy Store, thecomedystore.com/la-jolla

Debt means you had more “ fun than you were supposed to.”

— Greg Fitzsimmons on Just for Laughs

Do I see JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 - PARABELLUM again or do I see BOOKSMART again. But whichever one I choose, both titles make me feel like a smart reader!”

— Doug Benson on Twitter

7.19 THOMAS MIDDLEDITCH & BEN SCHWARTZ @ Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org

My name is Thomas “ Stephen Middleditch.

That’s a real name given to me by fate.

I feel like I was born out of a Charles Dickens novel.”

— Thomas Middleditch on Just for Laughs

I swallow gum “ because I have

trouble letting go.”

Ben Schwartz on Twitter

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JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

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C URRENTS | C OM E DY

7.18 MARK ELLIS

@ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

You haven’t hit rock bottom until you “ bump into your mom on a dating website.

I mean, it was bound to happen: she’s a cougar, I’m a big-game hunter. We’re gonna cross paths eventually.”

— Mark Ellis at Gotham Comedy Club

7.26-28 BRET ERNST

7.20 JONAH RAY

@ The Comedy Store, thecomedystore.com/la-jolla

@ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

very rare it’s the mom.

I don’t mean to pick on fathers, I’m just saying, you’re the one handing out the issues. It’s usually the dad. You never hear of the mom having a whole other family nobody knows about. You know what I’m saying? There’s no moms setting up apartments for their side-d**k. It’s always the dad.”

the physique of a heroin junkie that’s also really into pizza and doughnuts.”

It’s always the dad that’s “ f**king the family up. It’s

— Bret Ernst on Principal’s Office

I have the body of “ a hairy baby. I have

— Jonah Ray on Just for Laughs

7.19-21 DANA GOULD

@ The Comedy Store, thecomedystore.com/la-jolla

The fact is I’ve met far too “ many bald men with ponyBRAD BARKET / P ICTUREGROUP

tails to expect this world to make sense.”

— Dana Gould on CONAN

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JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

PULSE ARTS | COOLTURE

ART BEAT

BY LISA DEADERICK

7.13-11.24

BRIAN KESINGER: DREAM IT YOURSELF

Oceanside Museum of Art 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside 760.435.3720, oma-online.org After 20 years as an artist with Walt Disney Animation Studios, artist Brian Kesinger is focused exclusively on his own art (with a lot of Victorian steampunk elements), sharing his passion and dreams visually in this exhibition at the Oceanside Museum of Art.

Afternoon Shade

by Brian Kesinger

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JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

PULSE | VISUAL ARTS

Art Beat

July gallery + exhibit openings

BY LISA DEADERICK

7.13-8.3 ARTHATCH & DISTINCTION GALLERY PRESENT: STUDIO ARTISTS EXHIBITION Distinction Gallery 317 E. Grand Ave., Escondido 760.707.2770, distinctionart.com An exhibition of original paintings, photography and other mixed media represents the collective work of more than 30 emerging and established artists in the ArtHatch community.

Sabrina Claudio by Carlo Miranda

7.13-8.10 75 & SUNNY

U-Haul by Stevan Dupus

7.6-27 PROUD+ NATIONAL ARTS EXHIBITION

The Studio Door 3867 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest 619.255.2867, thestudiodoor.com This contemporary art exhibition features the work of dozens of LGBTQIA+ artists, including fashion vignettes and acrylic paintings from San Diego artists David Santillanes and David Jester, to celebrate the pride and diversity of the community.

Ashton Gallery 4434 30th St., North Park 619.894.9009, ashtonartgallery.com With a passion for the outdoors that was cultivated since childhood, registered nurse and artist Gloria Chadwick brings a collection of pieces featuring the color yellow and summer in San Diego to Ashton Gallery.

Duckie by Gloria Chadwick

@PACIFICSD JULY 2019

45

PULSE | VISUAL ARTS

Swallowtail by Hunt Slonem

Through 7.20 HUNT SLONEM: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

Madison Gallery 320 S. Cedros Ave., Ste. 200, Solana Beach 858.523.9155, madisongalleries.com Drawing inspiration from nature, his own dozens of pet birds, and historic personalities and architecture, artist Hunt Slonem brings his honed and perfected neo-expressionist style to this latest exhibition at Madison Gallery.

La Chanteuse by Edgar Degas

7.20-9.15 EDGAR DEGAS: THE PRIVATE IMPRESSIONIST

California Center for the Arts, Escondido 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido 760.839.4138, artcenter.org/museum More than half of the works of this French impressionist artist (who reportedly preferred to be called a “realist”) feature dancers, twirling and spinning and balancing on their toes. This exhibition features the works of artist Edgar Degas on paper, along with other artists in his circle, including Mary Cassatt, Paul Cezanne, Edouard Manet, Camille Pissarro, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

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JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

Storyteller by Carol Larson

7.20-10.6 DEFINING MOMENTS: STITCHED PERSPECTIVES ON BECOMING A WOMAN

Visions Art Museum 2825 Dewey Rd., Ste. 100, Liberty Station, 619.546.4872, visionsartmuseum.org Marion Coleman, the 2018 National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Award winner, is joined by her friend and fellow artist Carol Larson in this exhibition of 38 mixed media fiber art pieces that explore womanhood, race, aging and ideas about beauty and normalcy.

VISIT ONE OF OUR 7 LOCATIONS: TAJIMA EAST VILLAGE | TAJIMA NORTH PARK | TAJIMA HILLCREST TAJIMA CONVOY | TAJIMA MERCURY | TAJIMA LONG BEACH | TAJIMA TIJUANA

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PULSE | VISUAL ARTS

7.27-1.19.2020 DRESS REHEARSAL

Oceanside Museum of Art 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside 760.435.3720, oma-online.org How many ways can a dress be interpreted?

Find out as the artists in this exhibition use sculpture, installation, painting, photography and collage to demonstrate their creativity.

The Cotton Dress by Janet Taylor Pickett

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JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

PULSE | PE RF OR MI NG A RTS

Curtain Calls What’s on stage in July

BY JAMES HEBERT

7.2-8.25 ROCK OF AGES

Cygnet Theatre 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town 619.337.1525, cygnettheatre.com Don’t stop believin’ that this jukebox musical is capable of cranking up the laughs — even as it traffics in some of the most cringe-worthy hair-metal sounds and fashions of the ’80s.

7.6-8.11 THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX

Old Globe, Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, Balboa Park 619.234.5623, theoldglobe.org PigPen Theatre Co. charmed Old Globe audiences in 2017 with its fable-like The Old Man and The Old Moon. Now the company returns with this world-premiere musical take on the children’s story about a brave mouse who dreams of becoming a knight.

7.9-14 MISS SAIGON

Broadway/San Diego San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown 619/858/760.570.1100, broadwaysd.com The long-running 1989 musical about love and loss against the backdrop of the Vietnam War returns to town for the first time since 2004, in the national touring version of the latest Broadway revival.

7.10-8.4 ANOTHER ROLL OF THE DICE

North Coast Rep 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach 858.481.1055, northcoastrep.org North Coast Rep scores the world premiere of this follow-up of sorts to

The Book of Mormon JULIETA CERVANTES

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JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

classic musical Guys and Dolls. The piece intertwines songs by Frank Loesser (including Heart and Soul) with stories by Damon Runyon, that old-time Bard of New York grit and wit.

7.11-8.18 MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

Lamb’s Players Theatre The AVO Playhouse, 303 Main St., Vista 619.437.6000, lambsplayers.org The Coronado-based Lamb’s heads north with its staging of this jukebox musical about the moment in 1956 when a 21-yearold Elvis Presley got together with Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis for an epic Sun Records jam session.

7.12-21 [TITLE OF SHOW]

Tenth Avenue Arts Center 930 10th Ave., downtown tenthavenuearts.com No, that’s not a misprint: [title of show] is the actual title of this show — an inventive and very funny 2008 Broadway musical that chronicles the making of a musical.

Namely, itself.

7.17-8.3 MATILDA THE MUSICAL

Moonlight Stage Productions Moonlight Amphitheatre, 1250 Vale Terrace Dr., Vista 760.724.2110, moonlightstage.com Moonlight continues its summer outdoor season with the Broadway musical (based on the Roald Dahl story) about a little girl whose fervent need to read has seismic

effects on everyone around her.

7.20 LAST PODCAST ON THE LEFT LIVE

Balboa Theatre 868 Fourth Ave., downtown 619/858/760.570.1100, sandiegotheatres.org The popular comedy podcast with the macabre on its mind — as in aliens, cults and more — hits town for a one-night live gig, just in time for San Diego Comic-Con International.

7.23-28 THE BOOK OF MORMON

Broadway/San Diego San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown 619/858/760.570.1100, broadwaysd.com “Hello” again! The seriously irreverent musical comedy, a still-running Broadway hit, heads to town once again; its humor is sure to push buttons as eagerly as its Mormon-missionary heroes punch at doorbells.

7.27-8.25 THE UNDERPANTS

Old Globe, Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, Balboa Park 619.234.5623, theoldglobe.org The one and only Steve Martin’s 2002 comedy centers on a woman who sparks mass disruption when she inadvertently loses her bloomers. The piece originally was commissioned for New York’s Classic Stage Co. by Barry Edelstein — now the Old Globe’s artistic chief.

IT’S TIME TO TAKE CONTROL.

On the new Time-of-Use pricing plans, you get more choice and control when it comes to managing your energy use. Simply by knowing which hours cost less, you can choose when to power up and when to power down. Knowing when to use energy allows you to take control of your energy costs and make the choices that are best for your household.

Learn more at sdge.com/whenmatters

Time to save.

Š 2019 San Diego Gas & Electric Company. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

PULSE | M OV I E S

The Reel Deal

July motion picture preview

BY MICHAEL BENNINGER

ONCE UPON A TIME …

IN HOLLYWOOD

The 9th film from Quentin Tarantino.

Comedy | Drama Directed by: Quentin Tarantino Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie In theaters: 7.26 Set in Los Angeles during 1969, a washed-up movie star and his trusty stunt double attempt to revive their careers when they inadvertently find themselves mixed up with the infamous Manson Family.

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JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME

Fantasy | Sci-Fi Directed by: Jon Watts Starring: Tom Holland, Jake Gyllenhaal and Samuel L. Jackson In theaters: 7.2 Following the death of one of the most beloved Avengers, the young web-slinging superhero is tasked with protecting the world from a sinister new threat.

MIDSOMMAR

Let the festivities begin.

Drama | Thriller Directed by: Ari Aster Starring: Florence Pugh, Will Poulter and Jack Reynor In theaters: 7.3 After suffering a tragic loss, a young woman travels to rural Sweden with her apprehensive boyfriend where they find themselves unwitting participants in a pagan cult’s macabre ceremony.

CRAWL

They were here first.

Thriller | Horror Directed by: Alexandre Aja Starring: Kaya Scodelario, Barry Pepper and Morfydd Clark In theaters: 7.12 As a cataclysmic Category 5 hurricane approaches the Florida panhandle, a young woman ignores the government’s evacuation order and encounters a congregation of colossal alligators while attempting to find her missing father.

THE LION KING

STUBER

Prepare for the rideshare of your life.

Action | Comedy Directed by: Michael Dowse Starring: Kumail Nanjiani, Dave Bautista and Iko Uwais In theaters: 7.12 A good-natured Uber driver hoping to achieve a five-star rating picks up a desperate undercover cop in need of a wheelman to chase down a conniving killer.

The king has returned.

Drama | Adventure Directed by: Jon Favreau Starring: Donald Glover, Seth Rogen and Chiwetel Ejiofor In theaters: 7.19 When a lion cub’s father is brutally murdered by his own bitter brother, the prince of the jungle absconds from the kingdom he was born to inherit and later attempts to reclaim his royal status with the assistance of some unlikely friends. @PACIFICSD JULY 2019

53

TASTE EAT | DRINK | PUFF

DINING OUT

BY MICHELE PARENTE

Island Time

From casual to fancy, new dining options are popping up around Coronado

Endive with fourme d’Ambert, apple and candied pecan at Little Frenchie Bistro & Wine Bar.

HOWA RD LIPIN

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JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

T H O U G H T F U L LY S O U R C E D C A L I FO R N I A C R A F T

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TAST E | DINING

C

oronado, the sleepy, pristine beach town, has woken up. And it’s hungry.

Known for the iconic Hotel del Coronado, wide, white sand beaches and eyepoppingly expensive real estate, “the island” is poised to become San Diego County’s next A-list dining destination.

The perpetually charming community with a seemingly frozen-in-time feel is getting an

“ 56

Little Frenchie Bistro & Wine Bar Executive Chef Matt Sramek holds a plate of pâté de maison.

HOWA RD LIPIN

influx of seven new restaurants that will further elevate Coronado’s increasingly impressive culinary climate. This emerging critical mass of stylish eateries will serve an evolving demographic of discriminating diners made up of locals, tourists and the elusive San Diego resident willing to cross the bridge for a meal.

Among the new projects are the recently opened Little Frenchie — from the prolific Coronado restaurant group Blue Bridge Hospitality — that puts a casually

sophisticated spin on Parisian bistro fare, along with the recently unveiled Latin and Baja-inspired ALBACA at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa, the Hotel Del’s new seafood-centric Serea from trendy, Las Vegas-based Clique Hospitality, and a future outpost of the popular pizza and pasta emporium Buona Forchetta.

“It’s all part of this culinary explosion that’s happening here,” said Andy Masi, a San Diego resident who is founder and CEO of Clique Hospitality. “Over the

last four to five years, what’s been happening in the culinary world here is truly amazing. You have a lot of young, hungry chefs and entrepreneurs, it feels a little like a restaurant renaissance in San Diego.

I’m not surprised it’s coming to Coronado — it’s just the next great area for it.”

Clique is known for developing swanky restaurants, bars and nightclubs at such Las Vegas hotels as The Palms, The Cosmopolitan and Bellagio, as well as for downtown San Diego’s Pendry

Over the last four to five years, what’s been happening in the culinary world here is truly amazing. You have a lot of young, hungry chefs and entrepreneurs, it feels a little like a restaurant renaissance in San Diego.” —Andy Masi, founder and CEO of Clique Hospitality JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

MICHELE PARENTE

The casual chic dining room at Nado Republic, which has gained a loyal following in the six months it has been open.

hotel and the new Sycuan Casino Resort. That the historic Del would select Clique to modernize and revamp its signature restaurant signals a generational shift in who is eating in Coronado — and what they want to eat.

“What I’m talking about is approachable food, and everything that’s happening in San Diego and across the country — people want to know where my food is coming from and (want) to support all the local farmers and fishermen — is happening in Coronado at The Del,” Masi said. “People don’t want food that’s packaged; they want it fresh and local.”

There is no one with a keener finger on the local pulse of the Coronado dining scene than David Spatafore, the Coronado native and founder of Blue Bridge Hospitality, which runs seven eateries on the island, as well as the popular Point

Loma food hall, Liberty Public Market.

“Looking back 10 to 20 years, Coronado had a few of the chains, Il Fornaio, the Brigantine, Miguel’s (Cocina), the (Bluewater) Boathouse. We had a handful of independently owned restaurants, but I feel like they were catering to the tourists. There wasn’t a lot of innovation, it was pretty mundane and standard fare,” Spatafore said.

“Here’s your teriyaki chicken, here’s a baseball steak — the chains fed into that.”

Then, 10 years ago, Blue Bridge opened Leroy’s Kitchen & Lounge, which Spatafore said was Coronado’s first farm-to-table restaurant.

He said Leroy’s, along with the elegant Saiko Sushi and Tartine, a European-style cafe and bistro, raised the quality level of dining there.

“Things were made with finer

STAKE CHOPHOUSE & B AR

The swanky dining room of Stake Chophouse & Bar, which raised the culinary bar in Coronado.

@PACIFICSD JULY 2019

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TAST E | DINING ingredients, instead of Syscoto-table type cooking,” he said, referring to the multinational corporate food distributor.

Spatafore said the once foodsnoozy community was home to the military, retirees and people who bought their homes in the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s for $15,000 to $20,000 and raised their family there.

“Now those homes are worth $2, $3 million dollars, and we’ve got a lot of young families and wealthy people with second homes here,” he said. “The demographics have changed in this town, and the locals ... will support a broader spectrum of restaurant offerings.”

Two other changes, he said, are driving Coronado’s move toward elevated cuisine: more adventurous hotel guests at The Del and Loews Coronado Bay Resort and more San Diegans seeking out restaurants on the island.

“Like elsewhere in America, Coronado’s hotel guests are younger people willing to spend more on their vacations. And people in general, culinarily, are more willing to drive, they want to explore places to eat. I’m willing to drive to La Jolla and Carmel Valley to eat; they’re willing to come here,” Spatafore said.

“The bridge can be a wall sometimes. People didn’t want to drink and drive — even one glass of wine — and go over the bridge. But things have opened up. Uber and Lyft have definitely helped.”

As Coronado has changed, so has Blue Bridge Hospitality, which has a roster of casual spots, like Village Pizzeria, Lil’ Piggy’s Bar-B-Q and MooTime Creamery, while expanding a stable of carefully curated, higher-reaching restaurants. In 2015, five years after opening Leroy’s, Spatafore boosted the bar on gourmet dining, with the swanky steakhouse Stake Chophouse & Bar. “In the beginning, there was a kind of shell-shocked factor,” he said of Stake’s critically acclaimed culinary ambition, first-class wine selection and sizable dinner tabs to match. “We had much lower price points at Leroy’s. But here we were (at Stake) sourcing food from all over the globe, FedExing stuff in, it 58

JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

HOWA RD LIPIN

Blue Bridge Hospitality’s Little Frenchie in Coronado puts a casually sophisticated spin on Parisian bistro fare.

SEREA

The tequila-based High Tide cocktail at Serea, which is replacing 1500 Ocean at the Hotel del Coronado.

was more boutiquey. And the prices had to be higher, but because of the cost of our ingredients, we make the least amount of money there than any of our restaurants.”

In recent months, Blue Bridge gave Maretalia, a longtime Italian favorite, an overdue design refresh.

Opening up its dining room and adding a glam center bar gave the restaurant an elegant, open,

contemporary feel.

Spatafore said the inspiration for Little Frenchie came to him 10 years ago in New York City.

“I ate at Balthazar (in SoHo); it became one of my favorite restaurants of all time. It’s not your parents’ French restaurant, it’s not white table cloth fussy. French food is great, but it doesn’t have to be stuffy,” he said.

He lauded other modern French eateries around the country, like Le Diplomate (in Washington, D.C.) and Michael Mina’s Bardot Brasserie (Las Vegas), Margeaux Brasserie (Chicago) and RN47 (Seattle).

“All of them are making French food approachable. You can eat it every day, you don’t have to wear a suit. It’s just about casual, great French food. Come as you are, in flip flops or a nice dress,” Spatafore said.

Little Frenchie’s executive chef, Matt Sramek, has impressive credentials, having been on Thomas Keller’s opening team at the nowclosed Bouchon Beverly Hills, a glamorous offshoot of Bouchon in Yountville. Spatafore said Sramek’s menu honors the classics but is also “taking some liberties to fit the California beach lifestyle.”

The salmon rillettes, for example, is made with crème fraîche and yogurt, instead of butter.

“It tastes just as amazing but without all the butter,” he said.

“That’s our challenge — we’re not trying to reinvent French food, it’s not fusion. ... but we want to make sure we’re meeting our customer’s palate.”

All the better for fitting into that nice dress.

PROMOTION

MEET CHEF

CESAR GARCIA

Rise & Shine Restaurant Group

How long have you been working for Rise & Shine Restaurant Group?

“I’ve been with Rise & Shine since 2011, when I started as a line cook at the group’s first restaurant location; Fig Tree Café in Pacific Beach. At the time, I was only working two days a week (Saturday and Sunday), to help on the busiest days when only one person was working the line.”

What is your favorite part of your job?

“There’s really no easy way to answer this question, since there are so many rewarding aspects of this job, but if I had to choose, I’d say I love how every day is really different. I get to create the kitchen for each new restaurant, and ultimately, I get to help people grow and develop in their professional careers.”

What is your favorite dish, across all Rise & Shine restaurants?

“OMG... so many things! However, I have to give it to the Breakfast Jambalaya from Breakfast Republic.”

What do you like to do when you aren’t in the kitchen?

“Believe it or not, I enjoy going out to try different restaurants and watch sports with my friends!”

What inspired you to start cooking professionally?

“I had to start working when I was 15 years old, and it was honestly the only job I was able to find at the time. I ended up loving everything about it, and that’s when I knew the kitchen life was for me.”

What is one tip you would give aspiring chefs trying to break into the industry?

“Have patience, be flexible with change, and stay humble.”

Rise & Shine Restaurant Group www.riseandshinerg.com

Corporate Chef Cesar Garcia of Rise & Shine Restaurant Group is elevating San Diego’s brunch scene with reimagined spinoffs on morning classics. A testament to his ability to curate innovative dishes that cater to all palates, he recently helped opened a ninth Breakfast Republic location in San Diego, adding to the 15 different restaurant locations and concepts the brand operates across San Diego and Orange County… with more to come!

TAST E | DI N I N G

Coronado: Six new & noteworthy

Cheeses on Little Frenchie’s “altar.”

HOWA RD LIPIN

Here’s a closer look at Little Frenchie and the other new restaurants that are helping to turn Coronado into San Diego’s next must-try dining destination.

Little Frenchie

This charming, modest-sized, all-day bistro is big on authentic Parisian touches and flavors. Diners are immediately greeted at the entryway with France’s two major food groups: a French/California cheese “altar” and an oversized ice bucket filled with chilled Champagne. The bright, beachmeets-Left-Bank dining room is lined with white marble tables, a red leather banquette and traditional wicker-style bistro chairs. Ingenious is Little Frenchie’s “drink-by-numbers” suggested wine pairing system, where each dish has numbers corresponding to bubbles, rosés, whites and reds on the wine list. So simple, but ingenious. Why isn’t everyone doing this? The list itself is a wonderfully curated, well-priced blend of French wines and California producers using French varietals. Santé.

1166 Orange Ave., Coronado 619.675.0041, bluebridgehospitality.com/little-frenchie

Serea

The Hotel Del put Coronado on the map in 1888, and now this spot for coastal cuisine is slated to return the venerable resort to the top of the culinary pecking order when it opens later this month. Taking the space that housed the turnover-troubled signature restaurant 1500 Ocean, Serea fittingly

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embraces the sea, on the menu and in the dining room. Executive chef and local native JoJo Ruiz moves over from the Pendry’s Lionfish. Ruiz is San Diego’s fish whisperer, who can not only name the exact boat that extracted your dinner from the sea, but can also coax onto the plate the true essence of each catch, whether it’s a whole seabass, halibut sashimi or charcoal-grilled octopus.

1500 Orange Ave., Coronado hoteldel.com/restaurant-coronado/serea

Clayton’s Bakery & Bistro

A stylish, sophisticated offshoot of the beloved Clayton’s Coffee Shop — the 1940s embodiment of Americana — owner Mary Frese’s passion project will feature vintage recipes from around the globe. Opened in mid-June, Clayton’s has charcuterie, cheese, homemade soups, baguette sandwiches and artisan breads and a wide range of pastries and desserts, from Danish butter cookies, to Kiwi pizzelle, baklava, naked cakes, doughnuts to croissants.

Just like grandma used to make, but in an upscale setting of Carrara marble tabletops, wrought iron, traditional bistro chairs, decorative subway tiles and an intricate copper ceiling.

849 Orange Ave., Coronado 619.435.5425, www.claytonscoffeeshop.com

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2000 Second St., Coronado 619.522.3150, bit.ly/2HxdChU

Nado Republic

An utterly charming gathering spot for pasta, pizza, sandwiches, salumi, sweets and Italian wine, Nado Republic has been open for about six months and has already gained a loyal following. Owners David Arato (Bottega Italiana) and Sandro Lattenero are longtime friends from Italy and their family-like relationship is reflected in the eatery’s design, which is reminiscent of a comfortable, but cool, living room. Dishes like burrata-stuffed ravioli, tortellini in butter and sage and seven kinds of twice-baked, extra crispy pizza in pala make Nado shine.

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ALBACA

With its sweeping bayfront views, fire-pit seating and new dining room that was part of a multimillion-dollar renovation or the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa, ALBACA celebrates the Cali-Coastal lifestyle. The name stands for Alta Baja California and chef Aaron Obregon sources seafood, produce, olive oil, wine and other ingredients for the Latin and Mexican inspired menu from within a 90-mile radius. Don’t miss the excellent duck carnitas and the seafood pasilla rice with octopus, squid and wild Mexican shrimp.

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Clayton’s Coffee Shop Il Fornaio Leroy’s Kitchen + Lounge Maretalia Ristorante Saiko Sushi Stake Chophouse & Bar Tartine

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Hotel del Coronado

Sources: Nextzen; OpenStreetMap

U-TN DA NIEL WHEATO

1007 C Ave., Coronado 619.996.3271, nadorep.com

Garage Buona Forchetta

The cult South Park pizza and pasta restaurant takes over the historic El Cordova Garage to bring its Neapolitan and Roman pies to the island. Owner Matteo Cattaneo, now a Coronado resident, says he’ll lovingly restore the building and plans to be open by the end of 2019. After the New Year, he’ll unveil an Italian market in the space, selling homemade pastas, sauces, baked goods and more. Garage will be open all day, serving breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner.

1000 C Ave., Coronado

The Henry

The latest high-profile, mega-project from restaurateur and part-time Coronado resident Sam Fox (North Italia, Flower Child, Blanco Tacos + Tequila and founder of True Food Kitchen). Located in the old Costa Azul space, The Henry will sport a modified mid-century style and a sprawling, all-day lineup of dishes (The West Hollywood dinner menu has everything from pretzels to potstickers, burgers to black kale salad). The self-proclaimed “greatest neighborhood restaurant” has a target opening date of mid-August.

1031 Orange Ave., Coronado foxrc.com/restaurants/the-henry-restaurant

Leroy’s All Natural Burger.

LEROY’S KITCHEN + LO UNGE

Other Coronado standouts

Stake Chophouse & Bar, for the island’s most posh and delicious steakhouse; Saiko Sushi, for premium sashimi, nigiri, maki and sake; Maretalia, for craveable Italian now in a setting worthy of the cuisine; Leroy’s Kitchen + Lounge, for an appealing neighborhood restaurant with a killer burger; Il Fornaio, for gorgeous bay views and terrific woodfired pizza and pasta; Clayton’s Coffee Shop, for unbeatable malt-shop classics; Tartine, for perfect baked goods and casual bistro fare. @PACIFICSD JULY 2019

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Winning Shot(s)

Thousands of America’s finest citizens drank thousands of margaritas during PACIFIC’s fifth annual Margarita Month, presented by Milagro Tequila. They sipped, snapped and hashtagged creative varieties of San Diego’s original craft cocktail at 30 of the city’s top bars and restaurants throughout the month of May. On June 1, bartenders, restaurants and more than 2,000 patrons converged to taste and vote for their favorites at the Margarita Festival and Grand Tasting Event held at Broadway Pier, where more than 50,000 mini-margaritas were consumed.

When that many bartenders, mixologists and tequila lovers get together, things can get a little crazy, and admittedly they did. But in the end, when there are that many margarita samples to be had, we’re all winners.

Here’s how the margaritas fared.

THE PEOPLE AND JUDGES HAVE SPOKEN

For the first time ever, the winning venue was both the Judge’s Choice and the People’s Choice for Best Margarita.

And the winner is…

Air Conditioned Lounge

Grandma Jilly’s Lavender Margarita: Milagro Silver Tequila, house-made lavender syrup, fresh-squeezed lime juice, crushed lavender flower with sugar rim and fresh lavender sprig garnish

4673 30th St., North Park 619.501.9831 | airconditionedlounge.com

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS (CONT.)

Congrats to Air Conditioned Lounge for being the Grand Champion, but these venues also received the most votes from Margarita Festival attendees.

#MARGARITAMONTH

SOCIAL MEDIA SUPERSTAR For the third year in a row, thanks to persistent postings, Amanda F. (a.k.a. @soxxy) is the Margarita Month hashtag contest winner.

In case sipping and hashtagging margaritas for an entire month weren’t enough of a prize, she just won $3,000 in gift cards. That’s a $50 gift certificate to each of 2019’s 30 participating Margarita Month venues. ¡Felicidades!

THE PRADO

WONDERLAND OCEAN PUB

Tropical Margarita: Milagro Silver Tequila, house-made puree with grilled mangos, pineapples, Serrano peppers, lime juice, agave, smoked salt rim

Tipsy Mermaid: Milagro Silver Tequila, house-made strawberry hibiscus chamoy, Coco Lopez, strawberry chilito, house-made gummy

1549 El Prado, Balboa Park 619.557.9441 | cohnrestaurants.com/theprado

5083 Santa Monica Ave., Ocean Beach 619.255.3358 | wonderlandob.com

¡GRACIAS AMIGOS!

Thank you to our sponsors, food vendors and all 30 of our 2019 Margarita Month participating venues.

Air Conditioned Lounge Bootlegger Bub’s at the Ballpark Cerveza Jack’s Cloak & Petal Coasterra Duck Dive El Jardín Firehouse American Eatery & Lounge Fred’s Mexican Cafe Galaxy Taco King and Queen Cantina Miss B’s Coconut Club Moxy San Diego OB Surf Lodge Oceana Coastal Kitchen On The Border Park & Rec Patron’s Corner Puesto Sea 180 Coastal Kitchen Senor Grubby’s Tahona The Blind Burro The Deck at Moonshine Flats The Prado Tin Roof Volcano Rabbit Voltaire Beach House Wonderland Ocean Pub

DRIP H Y D R AT I O N

Belinda’s Familia | belindasfamilia.com Craft Empanadas | craftempanadas.com Eat Your Heart Out | eatyourheartoutsd.com Elote Locos | @elote_locos F.O.B. Street Food | @fobstreetfood Hunters Home Kitchen | huntershomekitchen.com Manna Kettle Korn | mannakettlekorn.com Takobar | takobarcatering.com The Brazilian Guys | @thebrazilianguys

JUDGE’S SELECTIONS

Thank you to the Margarita Grand Tasting Event panel of judges. This esteemed group sampled 25 margaritas at the Grand Tasting Event and picked their favorites. Air Conditioned Lounge took home Judge’s Favorite (and People’s Grand Champion), but they also recognized the following top margaritas:

Jayson Prim: Co-host of Dana & Jayson on ALT 949 Stephen Kurpinsky: President of the USBG San Diego & Bar Manager at Hundred Proof Whitney Bond: Food blogger and host of “29 Minute Meals” Blair Marano: Vice President of the USBG San Diego & Beverage Director at Tahona Cory James: Ancho Reyes Brand Specialist Dana DiDonato (festival MC): Co-host of Dana & Jayson on ALT 949 Shannon King: Portfolio Associate for Milagro, Montelobos & Ancho Reyes

BEST PRESENTATION MISS B’S COCONUT CLUB Spicy Margarita: Milagro Silver Tequila, Honeydew Poblano Cordial, fresh lime, cucumber and Tajin rim

3704 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach 858.381.0855 | missbcoconutclub.com

HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTEST:

Thanks to Dana, co-host of Dana & Jayson on ALT 949, for hosting our judges competition at the Margarita Festival!

BEST NAME CERVEZA JACK’S

MOST CREATIVE VOLTAIRE BEACH HOUSE

MOST DANGEROUS GALAXY TACO

Jalapeño Business: Milagro Silver Tequila, white grapefruit juice, pineapple juice, lime juice, cucumber, grilled jalapeños and agave, served with mint and cilantro

The Campfire Margarita: Milagro Silver Tequila, crème de coco, half and half, Graham Cracker and marshmallow rim

Let Your Mango: Milagro Silver Tequila, Giffard Abricot du Roussillon, mango, fresh lime juice, spicy chamoy rim

1165 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach 858.999.0158 | cervezajacks.com

4934 Voltaire St., Ocean Beach 619.955.8840 | voltairebeachhouse.com

2259 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, 858.228.5622 | galaxytaco.com

TAST E | EVENTS

Full Plate July food + drink happenings

BY MICHAEL BENNINGER

7.14 OUT IN LITTLE ITALY: PRIDE BRUNCH

Piazza della Famiglia, Little Italy sdpride.org/event/littleitaly Brunch the morning away alfresco while enjoying bottomless mimosas and food offerings from the Little Italy Food Hall. Bonus: Tickets include a one-way shuttle to the Pride Festival in Balboa Park.

Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa, Carlsbad 20twentygrill.com Don your stars and stripes during this classic American barbeque from 20|Twenty Grill’s executive chef, Julian Quiñones.

Societe Brewing Company, Kearny Mesa societebrewing.com Knock back unlimited samples of exceptional beers, lagers and ales during either of two four-hour tasting sessions, then soak up those suds with bites from a dozen of San Diego’s best restaurants.

7.18 HOP-CON 7.0

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, Point Loma stonebrewing.com Stone’s annual celebration of beer geekery gives guests an opportunity to enjoy 15 3-ounce tasters, unlimited samples from gourmet food stations, plus bocce ball, a silent disco and an interactive art wall.

7.20 BURGERS & BREWS INVITATIONAL

7.4 FOURTH OF JULY BARBEQUE

7.27 SOCIETE SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar dmtc.com Enjoy your day at the races with a side of burgers and some beer too at the Burgers & Brews Invitational. Guests can enjoy unlimited tastings of burgers, fries and tots, plus five craft beer tastings.

7.27 UNCORKED: DEL MAR SUMMER WINE FEST

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar dmtc.com Treat your taste buds to limitless samples of more than 150 wines at this exquisite oenophile experience that includes lawn games, a live DJ, gourmet food vendors and complimentary admission to the races and the Midland concert.

7.27-28 SAN DIEGO NIGHT MARKET

San Diego County Credit Union Stadium, Mission Valley sdnightmarket.com San Diego’s Asian-influenced, after-hours market returns with delish dishes, captivating performances and drink specials from the Convoy District’s numerous bars and restaurants.

Leslie Hackett contributed to this story.

7.4 FOURTH OF JULY COOKOUT

Carnitas Snack Shack, Embarcadero carnitassnackshack.com/ event/july4 The party starts early with DJ beats, finishing strong with a live band, plus burgers and hotdogs all day and a view of the Big Bay Boom on the San Diego Bay.

7.12 GARDEN PARTY: TEQUILA ESTANCIA HOTEL & SPA, LA JOLLA

meritagecollection.com Learn everything there is to know about tequila at this alfresco tasting event that includes Baja-inspired cuisine, live mariachi music, and hand-selected casks of reposado from the legendary Casa Herradura.

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Fourth of July Cookout at Carnitas Snack Shack

F.O.B. Street Food (F.O.B.) stands for FRESH OFF THE BOWLS

Creative, inspired, influenced and passionate food that is expressed in our bowls. Inspired mainly by Asian street food and cuisines worldwide we are able to share our creations, which allows us to create dialogue to each guest through our bowls. We chose the bowl as our vessel, which allows you to mix the flavors we have prepared for your palate, giving you the opportunity to combine all ingredients with each bite. We cook using gastronomic methods with the past, present and future in mind. We cook all that rests us along with the millions of eaters in this interests d. world.

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San Diego street vendor & catering company specializing in Mexican street corn called elote.

Find us on Yelp or Google to give us a 5 star review

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elotelocos@gmail.com

Serving traditional elote on a stick or in a cup as well as elotes with flavors and colors that have never been seen before.

Our innovative & colorful menu choices have gained us unofficial “best tasting elote in Southern California”.

Authentic to traditional style and taste that can be found in Mexico coupled with the fun exciting style of Southern California, our delicious fare is highly sought after.

elote_locos

Hoping to open our sit down eatery soon but for now follow us on Instagram to locate our next pop up location.

the Brazilian Guys home of the

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100% glutenfree!

r’s Market e m r a F e h t t Find us a SUNDAY ATURDAY llcrest

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Hi 9am-2pm La Jolla 9am-1:30pm a Fe Rancho Sant 9:30-2pm

TAST E | DI N I N G

DONNY COTTEN PHOTOGRAPHY

The Guild is Born

Dine under the stars at Luca for flavors of the med

BY KAI OLIVER-KURTIN

W

hat was once a community gathering place for service members is now The Guild Hotel, a boutique luxury property opening last month in downtown’s Columbia District, bringing its signature restaurant, Luca, to San Diego’s dining scene.

Steeped in history, The Guild took over the former Army-Navy YMCA building (a National Historic Landmark built in 1924) and is now part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio.

The hotel’s thoughtful contemporary design leans Italian-Renaissance, and weaves in references to its military past. Guest rooms are custom designed, and DJ-curated playlists with eclectic world beats are streamed throughout the property.

Tucked into a protected courtyard off the lobby, all-day restaurant Luca offers al fresco dining with Mediterranean and North African flavors from executive chef Justin Vaiciunas. Its chic black-and-white color palette is reminiscent of the French Riviera, including striped umbrellas and rose gold flatware and décor.

“The menu incorporates all the countries that evolve around the Mediterranean Sea and their specific flavors and balance in taste — that makes this place really special,” said Vaiciunas, who was in Miami before relocating to San Diego this year.

“I feel like we’re a hidden gem and truly something that’s unique, versus restaurants you would find 70

JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

menu incorporates “ The all the countries that

evolve around the Mediterranean Sea and their specific flavors and balance in taste — that makes this place really special.”

—Justin Vaiciunas, executive chef at Luca

Beautiful Scallops, made with preserved lemon, chive aioli and brown butter risotto

Cured & Toasty, with proscuitto di parma, lemon mascarpone, fennel, romano and truffle

nearby in Little Italy or the Gaslamp area,” Vaiciunas said. “We’re kind of that in-between where we’re casual but refined, but also a night out on the town.”

He brought a few of his old recipes, but Vaiciunas developed most of the menu exclusively for Luca.

One menu standout is the Cured & Toasty, a grilled sourdough toast with prosciutto, creamy lemon mascarpone, fennel, Romano and truffle oil. The Beautiful Scallops are another hearty dish, served with rich brown butter risotto and chive aioli. Tunisian spices make for a smoky tomato sauce in the extremely tender Mama Makes the Best meatballs.

The Midnight Lure salad offers a lighter alternative with unconventional components.

Field greens are tossed with chocolate powder and basil-Dijon dressing, served with Kataifi (a crunchy phyllo dough) that’s plated to resemble a bird’s nest cradling a soft-boiled egg.

The main entrees come in larger portions, including a wagyu burger, whole market fish and pork tenderloin.

Luca serves wine, beer and craft cocktails such as The Garden, a refreshing gin drink with herbaceous flavors of mint, lime, cherry and elderflower.

In the future, Vaiciunas plans to launch a chef ’s tasting menu of five to 10 courses, available on weekends in the outdoor garden area.

Seduction, a lamb loin with chocolate mushroom sauce, five herb pesto and crispy potato

The Guild Hotel 500 W. Broadway, downtown 619.795.6000, theguildhotel.com @PACIFICSD JULY 2019

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TASTE | BEER

Take it from the Tap

A monthly taste of beer from here

BY PETER ROWE

THIRST QUENCHING

A local beer to spend some time with Beer: Big Mother From: Mother Earth Brew Co., Vista, and Nampa, Idaho Why: With jaw-dropping fireworks (the Fourth!), parades (Pride!), spectacles (Comic-Con!) and payoffs (the races!), San Diego goes big or goes home every July. There’s no better time to crack open a can of Mother Earth’s massive anniversary ale, a triple IPA overflowing with citrus fruit flavors and exuberant hop bitterness.

Geek out: 10.5% alcohol by volume, 125 international bittering units.

Seek out: Mother Earth beers are available in most beer-centric retail outlets. For specialty brews like Big Mother, though, your best chance may be at the Vista tap house.

206 Main St., Vista 760.295.3074, motherearthbrewco.com

TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR BEER Go: Hillcrest Brewing Co. SRO: The nation’s first LGBTQ brewery, HBC sits opposite the starting point for the annual Pride Parade, which kicks off at 10 a.m. on July 13. Expect a full house. “It is one of our wildest days,” said brewer Clinton Shaver, 30.

Know: Shaver, head brewer here for two years, has put his stamp on house beers like BrownEyed Squirrel Brown Ale and Hop Sucker double IPA. Check out his collaboration with Ballast Point, Pride 2019, a crisp, dry cucumber lager.

Pro: While proud of its LGBTQ roots, HBC welcomes beer fans of every persuasion. “We try to make this a safe space for everybody,” Shaver said. “Just don’t be a jerk. That’s it.”

1458 University Ave., Hillcrest 619.269.4323, hillcrestbrewingcompany.com

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PROMOTION

NINE-TEN RESTAURANT AND BAR Happy Birthday to one of San Diego’s most revered restaurants, NINE-TEN. Opened on July 17, 2001, NINE-TEN quickly became one of the regions finest dining establishments.

Holding the reins for nearly as long is Executive Chef, Jason Knibb, who boasts an abundance of industry honors including a Michelin Guide “Plate Distinction”, a “very good to excellent” rating by ZAGAT, and “San Diego’s Chef of the Year”, awarded by the Restaurant Association. He was also a competitor on Iron Chef America, battling Bobby Flay in a seafood showdown. Add to that on-site Pastry Chef Jose Alonzo III and Sous Chef Rocio SisoGurriaran, and a very long list of media accolades, the restaurant offers the perfect combination of sophistication and casual elegance, making it a must visit for culinary aficionados. The menu is created daily to take advantage of fresh products discovered during daily excursions to local artisan providers like Chino Farms. NINE-TEN is open for breakfast and lunch daily and dinner nightly. Happy Hour is offered every Monday through Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and features drink specials and a half-priced bar food menu.

NINE-TEN Restaurant and Bar 910 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037 | 858.964.5400 nine-ten.com

Located in a spot that boasts more than a century of memories, NINETEN Restaurant celebrates nearly two decades as one of San Diego’s pioneer ‘farm-to-table’ restaurants.

MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE SOUND DECISIONS

BY SCOTT MCDONALD

7.8

SHAWN MENDES

@ Pechanga Arena, pechangaarenasd.com The young Canadian singer/songwriter played at this exact venue two years ago alongside See You Again singer Charlie Puth. Mendes returns with special guest Alessia Cara this time around and just released his latest single, If I Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Have You, in May.

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AFP

@PACIFICSD JULY 2019

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G ROOVE

Sound Decisions July concert calendar

BY SCOTT MCDONALD

7.2

Trace Adkins

@ Del Mar Fairgrounds, sdfair.com The Louisiana-bred country singer, actor, and onetime Celebrity Apprentice contestant was last here in 2017 when he played Casino Pauma. Adkins is still touring on his 16th album, 2017’s Something’s Going On, which went all the way to No. 5 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums.

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G ROOVE | SOUND DECISIONS

7.4 LYLE LOVETT & HIS LARGE BAND

7.3 SLUM VILLAGE

@ Music Box, musicboxsd.com Returning to the Music Box one year after last playing there, T3 and Young RJ continue the legacy of this Detroit hip-hop crew that once featured J Dilla. After last releasing new material in 2016, the band dropped The Lost Scrolls, Vol. 2 in 2018.

7.3 CEREMONY & SHEER MAG

@ The Irenic, theirenic.com NorCal punk band Ceremony teams up with Philly-based rockers Sheer Mag for a double bill where all of the amps will be cranked to 11.

Ceremony last released music in 2015, while Sheer Mag, after compiling their first three EPs into one full-length, released their debut album, Need To Feel Your Love, in 2017.

7.5

Anuel AA

@ Viejas Arena, viejasarena.com The Puerto Rican rapper and singer won the 2019 Billboard Latin Music Award’s New Artist of the Year.

His 2018 debut album, Real Hasta la Muerte, which was completed while he was in prison on a gun charge, has been certified platinum.

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@ Embarcadero Marina Park South, sandiegosymphony.org The multiple Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and horse enthusiast returns to San Diego with his long-running Large Band after last appearing here with Robert Earl Keene in 2018. Lovett also added some new hardware to his collection last year when he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA).

7.5 SMOKEY ROBINSON

@ Pechanga Resort Casino, pechanga.com The Motown legend, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Grammy Living Legend Award-winner, and Kennedy Center Honoree just played the San Diego County Fair last month. Now he heads up the road a few miles to take things indoors at Pechanga.

7.10 JON BELLION

@ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast The New York-based singer responsible for Eminem and Rihanna’s Monster followed up his three-time platinum debut, The Human Condition, with sophomore album, Glory Sound Prep, last year.

The new collection features appearances from Quincy Jones, RZA, Roc Marciano, Tuamie and more.

7.11 SIR MIX-A-LOT & KID ‘N PLAY

@ Sycuan, sycuan.com Grammy-winning, Seattlebased producer/rapper Anthony Ray (aka Sir Mixa-lot) returns to San Diego as part of a double bill that also includes hip-hop duo and House Party actors Kid (Christopher Reid) and Play (Christopher Martin).

7.16 HUGH JACKMAN

@ Pechanga Arena, pechangaarenasd.com What? The Wolverine can hit a high note? Van Helsing knows how to hunt down amazing choreography? Crazy. But it’s true. And the multitalented Jack(man) of all trades will definitely be wearing his Broadway hat when he appears in San Diego to belt show tunes instead of bad guys.

7.13

Billie Eilish

@ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast The 17-year-old L.A.-based singer and Interscope Records artist returns to San Diego for her biggest solo show yet. Eilish released her longcoming and highly anticipated debut, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, in March.

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@PACIFICSD JULY 2019

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G ROOVE | SOUND DECISIONS 7.18

21 Savage

@ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast Although it was believed he was from Georgia, 21 Savage (aka English rapper/producer Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph) was recently outed as a British citizen when he was taken into custody by U.S. ICE officials earlier this year. Abraham-Joseph’s second studio album, I Am > I Was, debuted at the top spot on Billboard’s 200 Chart last December and features appearances from J. Cole, Post Malone, Childish Gambino and more.

GETTY IMAGES

7.18 ANIMANIACS IN CONCERT

@ Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org Rob Paulsen, the voice of Yakko, Pinky, and others on the hit show, joins forces with Emmy-Award-winning composer Randy Rogel to bring the beloved animated series alive for one night during Comic-Con. It’s hard to believe this is a thing, but for the many fans out there, yes, it really is a thing!

7.18 NATALIA LAFOURCADE

@ California Center for the Arts, Escondido, artcenter.org The Grammy-winning (and multiple Latin Grammy-winning) Mexican singer and songwriter heads to Escondido for a night of music that is sure to include selections from her two most recent albums, Musas: Un Homenaje al Folclore Latinoamericano en Manos de Los Macorinos, Vol. 1 (2017) and Vol. 2 (2018).

7.19 THE CLAYPOOL LENNON DELIRIUM

@ Music Box, musicboxsd.com After closing down 2018 with a late-year performance at the Observatory, Primus frontman Les Claypool and the songwriting son of John Lennon join forces once again for a show at Music Box. The pair’s second studio album together, South of Reality, was released in February. Willie Nelson’s son Micah, aka Particle Kid, opens the show.

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7.20 BECK & CAGE THE ELEPHANT

@ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, livenation.com Two indie faves join forces for a lone night of sing-a-longs in Chula Vista. Beckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest single, Saw Lightning, comes from his soon-to-be-released album, Hyperspace, and features an appearance from Pharrell. While Kentucky rockers Cage The Elephant released their ďŹ fth studio album, Social Cues, in April.

NEIL KRUG

7.24

Rodrigo y Gabriela

@ Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com Last summer, the Mexican guitar duo covered a completely sold-out threenight stand at the Belly Up in Solana Beach. The one-time couple opts for a single performance under the stars at Humphreys this time around.

EBRU YILDIZ

@PACIFICSD JULY 2019

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G ROOVE | SOUND DECISIONS

7.25

Cuco

@ SOMA, somasandiego.com Cuco, aka 19-year-old singer/ producer Omar Banos, released his latest EP, Chiquito, in 2018.

Ahead of his forthcoming major fulllength debut, Banos has already released a few singles so far this year — Fix Me with Dillon Francis, Hydrocodone and May’s Bossa No Sé featuring Jean Carter.

CAM ER PO STFOROOSH

7.26 THE USED

@ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, livenation.com After hitting San Diego in recent years as part of 91X’s Wrex The Halls show and the Vans Warped Tour, Utah rockers The Used headline the Rockstar Energy Drink Disrupt Festival which also features Thrice, Circa Survive, Sum 41, Atreyu and others.

7.27 $UICIDEBOY$

@ SOMA, somasandiego.com New Orleans-based hip-hop duo $UICIDEBOY$ join forces with Florida rapper Denzel Curry and others for this already sold out show. After a slew of mixtapes and EPs, $UICIDEBOY$ dropped their debut studio album, I Want to Die in New Orleans, last September. Curry just released his fourth studio album, Zuu, at the end of May.

7.28 THE RACONTEURS

@ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast Jack White is back in a band! No, not that one. One of the other ones. The Raconteurs’ original lineup is back after releasing their third studio album together, Help Us Stranger, in June. It’s the first album from the band since 2008’s Consolers of the Lonely.

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G ROOVE | SOUND DECISIONS 7.30

The Drums

@ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com The Drums, aka singer/songwriter/producer Jonny Pierce, released their (his) ďŹ fth studio album, Brutalism, in April. Pierce also co-produced it.

NICHOLAS M OORE

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MAKE A

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LEIGH SCARRITT PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS “STARS OF THE FUTURE” JULY 7 @ 1PM

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SEXY & TALENTED SINGER/SONGWRITER

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DOORS OPEN AT 11AM, BALLS DROP AT 1PM

BABETTE’S PRIDE BINGO BRUNCH JULY 17 @ 8PM

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED JAZZ VOCALIST

JUDY WEXLER “CROWDED HEART” CD RELEASE

JULY 18 @ 8PM

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G ROOVE 7.3

Spin Cycle

July EDM +DJ performances

BY SCOTT MCDONALD

7.5 FISHER

@ The Park at Petco Park, petcoparkevents.com Paul Fisher, former professional surfer and one half of Australian DJ/production duo Cut Snake, curates a party at the ballpark that also includes a DJ set from Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Riva Starr and Gene Farris. Fisher’s latest single, You Little Beauty, was released in May.

7.5 TEED

@ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com TEED, or Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, is U.K.-born, U.S.-based DJ, producer, singer and CRSSD vet Orlando Higginbottom. After releasing a handful of singles last year, Higginbottom has only released a pair of remixes to his track Energy Fantasy so far in 2019.

7.5 COAST CLUB

@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com After performing as DJ/ production trio WeAreTreo for years, Trevor Shawn and Ace Future rebranded as Coast Club when Spencer Regan left the group. The new duo dropped their debut single, Coastin (feat. Sammy Johnson), last year, and followed it with another, Stay Here With You (feat.

Cat Clark), in March.

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Zedd

@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com Zedd, aka 29-year-old Russian DJ Anton Zaslavski, has paired with an impressive roster of vocalists over the years — from Maren Morris, Selena Gomez and Aloe Blacc, to Hayley Williams, Troy Sivan and Kesha.

But it’s Katy Perry who appears on his latest single, February’s 365. Perry also hired Zaslavski as an opening act on select dates of her Witness: The Tour last year.

7.10 NIGHTMARES ON WAX (DJ SET)

@ Music Box, musicboxsd.com George Evelyn, aka English DJ/composer Nightmares on Wax, swaps his full band and backing singers for a laptop on this return trip to Music Box. Evelyn’s latest full-length album, Shape The Future, was released in 2018 and features appearances from Mozez, Jordan Rakei and Sadie Walker.

7.12 DEORRO

@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com This dude was just here in April at the exact same venue. But that shouldn’t matter because Deorro, aka L.A.-based DJ Erick Orrosquieta, can crank out singles with the best of ‘em. Orrosquieta already has released a handful in 2019 — February’s Wild Like The Wind (as well as an accompanying remix), March’s Pica with Henry Fong and Elvis Crespo, Keep It Goin with Danny Avila in April, and most recently, Obvious, in May.

7.27 TRITONAL

@ Parq, parqsd.com Despite performing together for over a decade, Texasbased DJ/producer duo Tritonal (aka David Reed and Chad Cisneros) made their real breakthrough partnering with The Chainsmokers on 2015’s hit single, Until You Were Gone. Last month, the pair released their third full-length studio album, U & Me. It features guest appearances from the likes of Rachel Platten, Sultan + Shepard, Lourdiz, LEVV and Apek.

@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com The recent PACIFIC cover artist (March 2019) returns to San Diego for another night in America’s Finest City. Jeffries recently teamed with Chicago singer/rapper Jeremih (one half of R&B duo MihTy with Ty Dolla Sign) on the June-released single, Chase The Summer.

7.26 wAFF

7.27 CRANKDAT

@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com What will Irish actor Kristian Nairn — Hodor in Game of Thrones — do now that the beloved HBO series has finally come to an end? Continue to DJ, of course. Nairn has played in San Diego during ComicCon for the last four years and teamed with fellow DJ Alex Graham on the collaborative single, Life Is Too Short, in March.

7.19 PORTER ROBINSON

7.28 ROMAN FLÜGEL

@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com The Grammy-nominated DJ/ producer turns 27 a few days before appearing at this gig and was last in San Diego to close things down at OMFG NYE 2019. While Robinson hasn’t released any new music in a while, seeing a performer that can sell out arenas at a venue like OMNIA is always a smart move.

Chantel Jeffries

@ Spin, spinnightclub.com U.K. house DJ and producer Jon Wafer has remixed the likes of Groove Armada, Hot Since 82, Matador and Pirupa. Last year, he teamed with Kenny Dope on the single Hypnotic, as well as releasing another one on his own, October’s Bondage.

@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com Twenty-two-year-old trap DJ and producer Christian Smith (aka Crankdat) infamously gave up a full-ride athletic scholarship to pursue a music career and has remixed the likes of DJ Snake, Travis Scott, Post Malone, Skrillex, Jaden Smith and Sheck Wes. Smith’s debut EP, Gearworld, Vol. 1, was released in April and features guest appearances from shYbeast, Gammer, Sara Skinner and more.

7.18 KRISTIAN NAIRN

7.20

@ Quartyard, quartyardsd.com Veteran German DJ and producer Roman Flügel started by releasing music under a slew of aliases including Ro 70, Acid Jesus, Eight Miles High, Alter Ego, Sensorama and more. He released his latest album, Themes, in 2018, and is set to drop a new, 2-song single, Fun Fort, this month.

SARAH CAR PE NTER

@PACIFICSD JULY 2019

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LOVE | BL I ND DATE

ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR

BY JENNIFER IANNI PHOTOS BY DAVID BROOKS

Blind daters take a spin at the San Diego County Fair

I

t’s a balmy Sunday evening at the San Diego County Fair, and the air is thick with the smell of popcorn, funnel cakes and other fried delicacies. The sounds of children squealing in delight and carnival barkers trying to entice fill the air, while techno beats blast from the roller coasters whizzing by.

There’s something magical about the fair, as anyone who grew up in San Diego knows. It’s the ultimate summer activity, a place with something for just about everyone to enjoy. It’s also the setting for tonight’s blind date, where Kyle and Brittany, both 33, meet for the first time. An Epic Limo picks up Kyle first in Pacific Beach, then zips up to San Marcos to pick up Brittany and then on to Del Mar, the storied land where the turf meets the surf, 88

JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

as they say.

Speaking of storied, the theme of this year’s fair is “Oz-some,” as in The Wizard of Oz. Kyle and Brittany are about to be treated to a VIP fair experience unlike any they’ve ever had, but before we send them down the yellow brick road, let’s get to know them a little bit better via their pre-date interviews.

Where are you from and where do you live now?

BRITTANY: I was born and raised in Oceanside, and I currently live in San Marcos.

KYLE: I grew up in Palo Alto and currently live in Pacific Beach.

What do you do for a living?

BRITTANY: I work behind the chair as a hairstylist in my own salon suite. I’m a freelance makeup

artist as well.

KYLE: Professional emailer. I started a monthly subscription box for healthy kids’ snacks. I also give paddleboarding lessons, which make for nice lunch breaks.

What’s your Instagram handle?

BRITTANY: @beautybybrittanymichele.

KYLE: @greatkidssnacks.

How long have you been single?

BRITTANY: Almost a year.

KYLE: I’ve never been married.

Currently, what dating apps can be found on your phone?

BRITTANY: Bumble, ugh.

KYLE: Righter, The League, Farmers Only, Hinge.

Where can you be found

on the weekends?

BRITTANY: I usually work on Saturdays, but on the weekends, I like to get in a run or bike ride along the coast. If a good band is in town, I’ll definitely be at the show.

However, I wish more weekends were spent going on camping adventures and road trips.

KYLE: Playing on the bay or lake.

What are you best at?

BRITTANY: I’m pretty darn good at staying positive, always. Also, I’m super organized and I’m never late, ever. I’m also really good at making women feel beautiful; it’s my job — how lucky am I?!

KYLE: Pretending I am still athletic or eating anything and everything.

What do you suck at?

BRITTANY: I’m a self-admitted

LOVE | BL I ND DATE people pleaser. I’m working on my communication skills. Oh, and I never get my oil changed when I’m supposed to.

KYLE: Making the first move.

What are you looking for in a date, physical or otherwise?

BRITTANY: I’m looking to meet someone who lives an active lifestyle, loves dogs and is fun! Total bonus if they enjoy the outdoors and can make me laugh — like, seriously, laugh out loud!

KYLE: Not too picky. Just an adventurous, tall, blonde girl who is athletic, intelligent, attractive, hilarious and inappropriate, while being able to wear five-inch heels without walking like Bambi.

Why do you think you’ll be a good date?

BRITTANY: I’m pretty easygoing and can find the fun in almost everything. I’m sure this be will a good evening! And if it’s not, it’s totally on him. I’m an awesome date.

KYLE: I don’t know that I’ll be a good date. However, I have heard plenty of stories about bad dates, so I know I’ll be better than bad.

Which, I guess, is good.

Describe your special brand of sex appeal in a Tweet.

BRITTANY: I don’t have Twitter!

KYLE: I leave the tweeting to the president.

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

BRITTANY: Ehh, seven-and-a-half or eight?

KYLE: Seven.

Rate yourself on a scale from one to 10 for personality.

BRITTANY: Nine-and-a-half, for sure.

KYLE: Six. What’s your cocktail of choice?

BRITTANY: If we’re going out, dirty vodka martini with blue cheese stuffed olives. Otherwise, vodka soda with two limes. Always two limes.

KYLE: Tequila.

What’s a total deal-breaker on a date?

BRITTANY: I can’t handle the 90

JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

sloppy drunk thing. Also, someone who continually talks about previous relationships. Not sure if this even needs to be said, but bad hygiene is absolutely nonnegotiable.

KYLE: Smoker.

How many people have you slept with?

BRITTANY: No comment. My mom is going to read this, c’mon guys.

KYLE: My mom might read this.

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

BRITTANY: Funny and smart.

KYLE: All that / a bag of chips.

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

BRITTANY: Maybe a kiss, if he plays his cards right.

KYLE: Something more… High five with a butt slap.

Well, well, well. These two just might be a match made in county

fair heaven. Kyle and Brittany are both 33 and they both consider themselves active, with Brittany claiming her weekends are spent running or bike riding on the coast, and Kyle saying he likes to “play on the bay.”

And, bonus! It looks like neither of their moms are going to have to read in print how many people their child has slept with.

But Kyle also has some high standards when it comes to what kind of girl he’s looking for. Right off the bat, we see that Brittany checks a few of those boxes: She’s tall, adventurous, blonde, intelligent and attractive. But, more important, can she walk properly in five-inch heels, like Kyle requests? Well, that will have to wait for another date, since Kyle and Brittany were told they’d be doing a lot of walking on this date, so Brittany left her stilettos at home.

Sorry, Kyle.

Kyle also says he’s bad at “making the first move,” which might be an issue on a date. But, despite that, he does have a very specific prediction for how the night will end (“high five with a butt slap”), so let’s see if that comes to fruition, shall we?

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LOVE | BLIND DATE

A PIG DEAL

Daters peck at dinner, then watch some swift swine

Y

ou can’t go to the fair without eating something delicious (and bad for you). As such, the good folks at the San Diego County Fair have set aside a romantic table for our daters (complete with flowers and a table cloth) at Chicken Charlie’s, the famous fair food stand that is known for frying anything and everything. Since 1984, Chicken Charlie’s has been satisfying fairgoers with its ever-evolving fried food menu, which includes the likes of deep-fried Oreos, the tripledecker Krispy Kreme cheeseburger, bacon-wrapped pickles, ramen burritos and, new this year, deepfried crème brûlée.

Here’s hoping Kyle and Brittany brought their appetites.

The daters are seated at their private table amidst the bustling fair crowds. They end up ordering the healthiest food you can get at the fair (at least, according to Chicken Charlie): the Maui teriyaki chicken and shrimp bowls, which are served in hollowed-out pineapples. They also get fried frog legs and indulge in some fried Oreos and crème brûlée.

After dinner, the daters are led to another classic fair activity: the pig races. The ever-popular Swifty Swine Racing Pigs event pits pig against pig in a race around Swifty Stadium.

Some spectators, including Kyle and Brittany, get into the swine spirit by donning rubber pig noses while cheering on their favorite hogs.

After a few races, Kyle and Brittany get to hold and take photos with Lil’ Swifty, the star of the pig races.

After the races, we separate Kyle and Brittany to get the rundown on their date.

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How’s it going so far?

BRITTANY: It’s going super good.

I’m having a blast, I love the fair.

KYLE: So far, so good.

Maui teriyaki chicken bowl.

At first glance, would you swipe right or left on your date?

BRITTANY: Right, for sure.

KYLE: Right.

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

BRITTANY: (Pauses) Yes. I think so. He’s the kind of guy I have been wanting to date, and I maybe haven’t dated in the past.

KYLE: (Pauses) Yes. Besides the GU (“geographically undesirable”), yes.

How has your experience at the San Diego County Fair been?

BRITTANY: It’s been super fun.

We saw the pigs and we had some fried food, we gained some weight.

It’s been great.

KYLE: So far, so good. Fair stuff.

Food and a pig race.

What did you order at Chicken Charlie’s?

BRITTANY: We had some teriyaki chicken, some shrimp. Some fried frog legs, which I’ve never had before. They were actually surprisingly good. Some fried crème brûlée and fried Oreos.

KYLE: We got the frog legs. The shrimp and battered fish. Then we got the fried crème brûlée and fried Oreos.

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

BRITTANY: I feel like he’s very authoritative. He’s very in charge, which I appreciate. I like that.

KYLE: She took the tag off my pig nose. Oh, and took off her

Fried frog legs.

Deep-fried Oreos.

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LOVE | BL I ND DATE

sunglasses. I had no idea who I was going out with.

BRITTANY: Oh, I don’t know.

KYLE: Probably.

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

BRITTANY: I would say he’s a nine.

KYLE: What did I rate myself as, a six or seven? We’ll go with the same.

Seven.

How and when will the date end?

BRITTANY: I don’t know. He’s a little hard to read.

KYLE: When you tell us it’s over.

And for personality?

BRITTANY: I’d say he’s an eight and a half, nine.

KYLE: Probably better than mine.

So, seven.

What’s your date’s most attractive physical quality?

BRITTANY: He’s really tall and he has really nice eyes.

KYLE: Her hair.

Do you want to kiss your date right now?

BRITTANY: (Laughs) If he kissed me, I wouldn’t dodge it.

KYLE: Yeah, okay.

Does your date want to kiss you?

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At this point, it’s a little hard to gauge whether Kyle and Brittany are clicking. Kyle’s a man of few words, more of the strong silent type. His dry sense of humor results in Brittany struggling to get a read on him, and we can’t help but agree.

At least Kyle acknowledges that Brittany’s personality is “probably better” than his.

It appears Brittany’s location is also a bit of an issue for Kyle.

She lives all the way in North County, which is “geographically undesirable,” according to P.B.-livin’ Kyle.

But, aside from that, both seem to be enjoying their time at the fair, what with the fried foods and the pig races. Let’s see if some fair rides can help bring these two closer together.

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LOVE | BL I ND DATE

FERRIS WHEEL OF FORTUNE Sparks start to fly as Kyle and Brittany go for a spin

A

fter the pig races, Kyle and Brittany are taken, via fair escorts (or “fairies,” as Kyle liked to call them), to the photo booths for a little photo fun. While the PACIFIC and fair crew wait patiently outside, Kyle and Brittany climb into a booth and proceed to strike some poses. It’s not until the photos are dispensed from the booth that we finally get to see what went down behind the curtain: Kyle and Brittany did some lip-locking in the booth and we’ve got the photographic evidence to prove it.

What will their mothers say?!

This date is suddenly starting to look a little more romantic.

The next order of business is the Ferris wheel, where Kyle and Brittany (plus a PACIFIC photographer or two) take a few spins. Don’t worry, we let the two of them get in a few rounds alone, as well. The sun is setting and the view of the fair on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other makes for a very San Diego sight, and Kyle 96

JULY 2019 @PACIFICSD

and Brittany seem to love every minute of it.

After the ride, Kyle suddenly seems much more intent on impressing Brittany. He tries valiantly to win his fair lady a stuffed animal by shooting hoops at one of the game booths while Brittany sweetly cheers him on, but, alas, he misses every shot.

Hopefully, for Kyle’s sake, this isn’t a precursor to how this date will end.

It’s been a long day, and Kyle and Brittany need to spend some more alone time together. It’s the perfect time to take them to the Wicked Wahine, the fair’s secret rooftop speakeasy, for some tiki-inspired drinks and more stunning fair views.

It’s not easy for the average fairgoer to find the speakeasy.

Directions are vague (anyone interested is told to “ask around”), but a little bird told us that bartenders throughout the fair will be able to point you in the right direction. It’s well worth the effort, as the cool spot is located above the fair and the drinks are as pretty as they are tasty.

Once they arrive at the speakeasy, Brittany and Kyle order some drinks and strike a few more poses for PACIFIC’s camera crew, including a more risqué pose in a round wicker swing. Kyle decides to take matters into his own hands and treat Brittany to that butt slap he’s been talking about.

Brittany seems delighted, and she’s even more delighted later, when Kyle unexpectedly hoists her up on his shoulders for some more photos.

It’s at this point that the PACIFIC crew decides it’s time to leave our fair daters alone for the evening. We call them the next day to find out how things went.

How did everything go last night?

BRITTANY: Last night was really, really fun. The fair was beautiful and I had a great time. It was really pretty, and being up in the speakeasy and the Ferris wheel and everything, it was really pretty from up there.

KYLE: It was good. We had a good time, stayed for another drink and then had a bit of an adventure trying to find our car, but it worked out.

but we’ll see.

KYLE: I think so. I think she’s going to come down [to P.B.] and we’re going to go paddleboarding.

Do you have any dating tips for your date?

BRITTANY: One thing is he didn’t really ask me much about myself. He didn’t really ask me any questions.

He didn’t laugh very much. He’s hard to read.

KYLE: I don’t think so. I mean, it wasn’t a bad date.

Where did you go and what did you do for the rest of the evening after the fair?

BRITTANY: We had one more drink and then we headed home.

Separately. (Laughs) I mean, I went back to my house and he went home. You know what I mean.

KYLE: We took the car back up to her place and dropped her off, and then I came back home.

Any final thoughts, parting words, shout-outs or anything else to add?

BRITTANY: Thanks to PACIFIC magazine, it was such a fun experience and he was a really cool guy, so thank you for letting me go.

KYLE: No, I’ve got nothing to add.

Did you guys exchange numbers?

BRITTANY: We exchanged phone numbers.

KYLE: Yes. Hook up?

BRITTANY: Well, he did walk me to my door and kiss me goodnight. He was a little bit more of a gentleman than he came off. I mean, he had an air of borderline arrogance, almost, but I think he was just a tough cookie to crack. I told him he was hard to read.

KYLE: Nope, just a kiss.

Oh, Kyle and Brittany. Just when we thought this date might be a bust, Kyle busted out his moves and swept Brittany off her feet — literally. And just when we thought Kyle was a little too cool for school (and for blind dates), we find out that he’s actually more of a gentleman than he let on and he even walked Brittany to her door and gave her a sweet kiss goodnight at the end of their date.

Although a second date isn’t a guarantee (Brittany says the ball’s in his court, and we know how that went for Kyle when he was shooting hoops at the fair), but we do hope these two manage to put their geographical differences aside (Brittany lives in San Marcos, not over the rainbow) and go out on another date. If paddleboarding doesn’t work out, maybe they can go somewhere Brittany can wear those five-inch heels Kyle seemed so keen on.

Hey, there may not have been ruby slippers involved, but Kyle and Brittany’s story could still get that happy ending like Dorothy did at the end of The Wizard of Oz.

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

BRITTANY: When he put me on his shoulders. He hoisted me up and put me on his shoulders. And also people asking us if we were getting married at the fair. That was pretty funny, too.

KYLE: I guess that was just the whole putting her on my shoulders.

What was the best part of the date and why?

BRITTANY: I think the speakeasy, because by then we were more relaxed and he was talking a bit more with me, not at me.

KYLE: I guess it was at the end, at the speakeasy, where we just got to kind of sit down and talk without cameras in our face.

What was the worst part of the date and why?

BRITTANY: Well, when we pulled up, he told me he doesn’t like the fair, so that was kind of awkward.

But then he said he had fun at the end, so maybe he just wasn’t going with the right people.

KYLE: Missing all those shots

EDITOR’S NOTE playing basketball. That was embarrassing.

Will there be a second date?

Why or why not?

BRITTANY: I don’t know, the ball’s in his court. If he asked me

out again, I would go. But he did kind of have an issue, he didn’t understand where North County was. He’s in his P.B. bubble. I think he thought he was in another country, so that might be an issue for him. It’s not an issue for me,

Daters’ answers may have been edited for length and clarity.

SPECIAL THANKS TO AND PROMOTIONAL CONSIDERATION FROM:

EPIC LIMO 858.270.LIMO (5466), epiclimo.com SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR 858.755.1161, sdfair.com

@PACIFICSD JULY 2019

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