POOL PARTIES JUNE GLAM NEW COASTAL RESTAURANTS CUTWATER’S RIBBON-CUTTING A HORSE-RIDING BLIND DATE — YAY OR NEIGH?
STASSI SCHROEDER THE STAR OF BRAVO’S VANDERPUMP RULES MAKES A SPLASH IN S.D.
JUNE 2017
PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM
Your beach, on tap.
Another way to find your beach. Relax responsibly®. Corona Extra
®
Beer. Imported by Crown Imports, Chicago, IL
editor n ote
’s
WATER YOU WAITING FOR?
Pools are prepped, bikinis are bought, and sewage hasn’t seeped north of the border in weeks. Summer’s here, and it’s time to dive in. This issue of PACIFIC spotlights the coolness of the coast and the urban and inland pool paradises where San Diegans soak up the sun. Things went swimmingly during the cover shoot with Stassi Schroeder, star of Bravo TV’s hit reality show Vanderpump Rules (see “In Deep,” page 48), who dipped her toe in America’s Finest while on-location at Broadstone Little Italy and Kettner Exchange. For the next wave of eateries along the water or within blocks of the shoreline, check out “We’ll Sea” (page 70), then get liquefied
at Cutwater Spirits, the new distillery and restaurant near Miramar (see “Just Add Cutwater,” page 78). “Gravitational Pool” (page 56) covers the finer points of pool parties, including the triumphant return of Intervention to Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, while “June Glam” gives tips for how to prep for a day in the sun and/or sand. Plus this month’s blind date features a romantic horseback ride on the beach (see “Yay or Neigh,” page 102). Long story shore (pun intended), if you can’t find a reason to fall in love with your city within these pages, I have one thing to say: Beach, please.
Sincerely,
David Perloff, Editor-in-Chief
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AG AV E
EX P R ESS IO N ISM
PLEASE ENJOY MILAGRO RESPONSIBLY. Milagro Tequila, 40% Alc./Vol. (80 Proof) ©2017 William Grant & Sons, Inc. New York, NY.
MILAGRO MEANS MIRACLE
& Present
GRAND TASTING EVENT Taste dozens of margaritas crafted by the city’s top bartenders.
25+ MINI MARGARITAS + TACO BAR + MARIACHIS + EDM DJs + LIVE LATIN BEATS
(Included with ticket)
SATURDAY, JUNE 17 1:00 - 6:00 PM at Horton Grand Hotel 311 Island Ave., Gaslamp
PURCHASE TICKETS AT MARGARITAMONTH.COM
Ocean Views... as far as the eye can sea.
VOLUME #11 • ISSUE #6 JUNE 2017 E D I TO R - I N - C H I E F
David Perloff C R E AT I V E D I R E C TO R
Kenny Boyer D I G I TA L D I R E C TO R
Leslie Hackett M A N AG I N G E D I TO R
Jennifer Ianni D I R E C TO R O F P H OTO G R A P H Y
John McCutchen
Outstanding oceanfront dining in the heart of Del Mar. Since 1968.
C O N T R I B U T I N G E D I TO R
Michael James Rocha CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Poseidon on the beach 1670 Coast Blvd., Del Mar | (858) 755-9345 | poseidonrestaurant.com
Michael Benninger, Lisa Deaderick, Pam Kragen, Scott McDonald, Kai Oliver-Kurtin, Karla Peterson, Sarah Pfledderer, Peter Rowe C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R A P H E R S
Jesse Arroyo, K.C. Alfred, Brevin Blach, Arlene Ibarra, Rick Nocon P H OTO E D I TO R
Alma Cesena E D I TO R I A L I N T E R N
Chloe Salsameda
PUBLISHER
David Perloff V I C E P R E S I D E N T O F SA L E S
Paul Ingegneri M U LT I M E D I A AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E S
Jeremy Lang, Lisa Marsolais, Laura J. Schwartz, Alyson Tietze D I ST R I B U T I O N M A N AG E R
Greg Johannsen
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A SUBSIDIARY OF THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE 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.
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P A C I F I C R E A L E S T A T E M A R K E T W A T C H
DOWNTOWN, 92101 Welcome to Hangar 5, new homes where the essence of modern, sexy and sleek design converge with intelligent SoCal living. Featuring townhomes and condos, this voluminous property has a loft-like artistic design. With soaring ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glass and luxurious Fleetwood doors that open to bring the outdoors in, this property is sure to please even the most discerning. Features include hardwood floors, porcelain tile baths, quartz counters, Kitchen Aid appliances, custom high-end cabinetry and high-end fixtures. Hangar 5 includes secured underground parking, storage, elevator access and a peaceful outdoor common area. 2353-2357 Front St., San Diego, CA 92101; $734,900 - $949,900
MARKET UPDATE We have seen a slight trend up in inventory. With spring now in full swing, sellers have decided now is the time to sell. Buyers will have more of a selection to work with. Having someone to navigate all the new listings can help narrow down your search for your dream home.Â
CHAD DANNECKER Welcome to San Diego Real Estate Dannecker & Associates 875 G St., Ste. 108, San Diego, CA 92101 619.356.3099, BRE#01459513 Chad@DanneckerandAssociates.com, @welcometosandiego.com, #welcometosandiego, @WelcometoSD
MARKET STATS (April 2017 data shown) Homes for sale: 212 Homes sold: 66 Highest price: $2,700,000 Lowest price: $258,000 Median home price: $508,750
(Not actual size)
Call 1-800-CANNABIS to enjoy the nation’s finest cannabis experience. New customers, get a free gift bag with your first order. Not an MMJ patient, but would like to get able to get cannabis delivered conveniently to your home? Get your doctor’s recommendation online in about 15 minutes at MDelivers.HelloMD.com, and then have marijuana in your hands in less than an hour.
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P A C I F I C R E A L E S T A T E M A R K E T W A T C H
LA MESA, 91941 Stunning Mount Helix Victorian on a quarter-acre lot in a coveted location. Spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom property features wood built-ins throughout, LED energyefficient lighting, dual-pane windows, gleaming new hardwood floors, newer exterior/interior custom paint, high-end fixtures/finishes and striking architectural details. The remodeled bath showcases a new vanity, Carrera marble and a claw-foot tub. The private garden setting offers lush landscaping, a koi pond and a gazebo. Enjoy beautiful sunrises from the master bedroom balcony. A must-see. Mount Helix 10186 Vivera Dr., La Mesa CA 91941; $899,900
MARKET UPDATE The market is continuing to be on an upward trend. Even with interest rates on the rise, they are still at a historic low and buyers confidence in the market place is at an ultimate high.  Spring is in the air which is typically the best time to sell so all the factors of a strong real estate market are here and in effect. It’s a great time to buy and sell in San Diego!
MELISSA GOLDSTEIN TUCCI Broker/Realtor (R)
1820 Monroe Ave., San Diego, CA 92116 619.787.6852, BRE # 01380034 MelissaTucci.com, Sold@MelissaTucci.com No. 1 ranked Coldwell Banker agent/ broker and official real estate agent of the San Diego Padres.
MARKET STATS (May 2017 data shown) Homes for sale: 60 Homes sold: 14 Highest price: $1,412,500 Lowest price: $470,000 Median home price: $850,929
CONTENTS
SIX.SEVENTEEN / FEATURES
FEATURES 48 IN DEEP An introspective reality star dives back into TV
56 GRAVITATIONAL POOL Get drawn into the city’s splashiest scenes
64 JUNE GLOOM GLAM Summer essentials for staying hot in the heat
ON THE COVER: Stassi Schroeder, star of Bravo’s “Vanderpump Rules,” was photographed by K.C. Alfred at Broadstone Little Italy. Stassi is wearing a Show Me Your MuMu romper, $138, and Aqua earrings, $25, bloomingdales.com; Dehlia wrap choker, $288, lovetatum.com; Just Shelly mules, $138, and Valley Sonix sunglasses, $79, Nordstrom Fashion Valley. ON THIS PAGE: Stassi is wearing a Tula Rosa top, $148, L Space bottom, $74, and Aqua choker, $28, Bloomingdales Fashion Valley; Double Happiness Luanne cuff, $110, and Sailor earrings, $130, doublehappinessjewelry.com. Photo by K.C. Alfred.
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JUNE
CONTENTS
SIX.SEVENTEEN / DEPARTMENTS
JUNE
D E PA R T M E N T S CURRENTS 24 Six.Seventeen Event calendar
82 Take it From the Tap A monthly taste of beer from here
34 Laughing Stock June stand-up comedy shows
88 Point of View A barman wets whistles on the waterfront
PULSE 36 Art Beat June gallery and exhibition openings
GROOVE 90 Sounds Like a Plan June concert calendar
42 Curtain Calls Performing arts preview 44 Reel Cool June motion- picture preview TA S T E 70 We’ll Sea A quick look at restaurants opening along the coast (or almost) 78 Just Add Cutwater California’s largest distillery proves there’s more to Miramar than just hops
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100 Take a Spin Upcoming EDM and DJ performances LOVE 102 Yay or Neigh? Looking for love on the back of a horse #TBSD 112 En Guard A battle on the beach in South Mission
Jessica grabs love by the reins in this month’s blind date (see story, page 102).
CURRENTS
SIX.SEVENTEEN / EVENTS
JUNE
BY MICHAEL BENNINGER
6.10-11
SAN DIEGO FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS E3 PHOTOGRAPHY EDDIE GARCIA III
WATERFRONT PARK, LITTLE ITALY SDFESTIVALOFTHEARTS.ORG
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Peruse the work of nearly 200 artists while participating in interactive activities and enjoying fare from some of the city’s top restaurants. >>>
JUNE 2017 | @PACIFICSD
FAT H E R ' S D AY S P E C I A L S // J U N E 1 8 T H FAT H E R ' S D AY S P E C I A L S // J U N E 1 8 T H DUCK DIVE HOUSE OLD FASHIONED // $5 DUCK DIVE HOUSE OLD FASHIONED // $5 NEW YORK STRIP STEAK // $25 NEWsYORK STRIP // $25 e rve d with ho r sSTEAK e ra d i s h ma shed speorve d ewith radd iasshpma tato s anho d gr rsielle a rasghuesd, e s an lle a ra s, top po ptato e d with a dregdr iw i nde adsepmi gg lauze to p p e d with a re d w i n e d e mi g la ze
4 6 5 0 M I S S I O N B LV D, S A N D I E G O, C A 9 2 1 0 9 | ( 8 5 8 ) 2 7 3-3 8 2 5 | T H E D U C K D I V E .C O M | 4 6 5 0 M I S S I O N B LV D, S A N D I E G O, C A 9 2 1 0 9 | ( 8 5 8 ) 2 7 3-3 8 2 5 | T H E D U C K D I V E .C O M |
/THEDUCKDIVE | @THEDUCKDIVE /THEDUCKDIVE | @THEDUCKDIVE
CU R R E N T S CALENDAR
6.3 ART AROUND ADAMS Adams Avenue, Normal Heights artaroundadams.org Explore two miles of music, merchants and art on a leisurely stroll through the vibrant neighborhoods of Normal Heights and Kensington.
F R E D G R E AV E S
6.2-7.4 SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR
6.9-11 19TH ANNUAL LGBT FILM FESTIVAL The Observatory, North Park filmoutsandiego.com See works by some of today’s best and brightest moviemakers during three days of film, which wrap with a closing-night party at West Coast Tavern.
Del Mar Fairgrounds, sdfair.com Learn to saddle up like a pro, then go panning for gold at the county’s signature summertime event, now themed as the Wild, Wild West. Yee-haw!
6.3-4 ROCK ‘N’ ROLL MARATHON K.C. ALFRED
6th & Quince, Balboa Park, runrocknroll.com/san-diego Celebrating 20 years of running and rock music, the city’s most popular marathon now ends in Waterfront Park, where racers can knock back a finish-line beer and attend a post-race concert. >>>
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Š2017 New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins, CO & Asheville, NC
BRADLEY SCHWEIT
CU R R E N T S CALENDAR
6.9-10 SAN DIEGO OYSTERFEST Marina Embarcadero North oysterfest.com Check out live performances from Matisyahu, Vokab Kompany and many more musical acts during this annual appreciation of everything oyster.
6.10 FIDO FEST Town Center Community Park East, Santee ci.santee.ca.us Bring your four-legged friend or pick up a new pup at this furry festival featuring live demonstrations, discounted vaccinations and a variety of exhibitors.
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6.11 OPENING DAY OF POLO
N E LV I N C . C E P E D A
Camp Pendleton mccscp.com Conquer nine intense obstacles, and then finish at the world’s muddiest pit while supporting Camp Pendleton’s Marines and their families.
San Diego Polo Club, sandiegopolo.com Local and international polo players compete in front of 4,500 spectators when the season’s Sunday matches kick off. >>>
P E G G Y P E AT T I E
6.10-11 MARINE CORPS MUD RUN
CU R R E N T S CALENDAR
6.12 9TH ANNUAL TASTE OF LA MESA La Mesa Community Center, La Mesa lamesachamber.chambermaster.com Try food from numerous new establishments when dozens of La Mesa restaurants present their signature plates in one place.
6.14 TASTE OF LITTLE ITALY Little Italy, littleitalysd.com Consider wearing sweatpants while sampling appetizers, entrees and desserts from a variety of Little Italy eateries, complemented by live music performances throughout the neighborhood. Mangia!
6.16 15TH ANNUAL BEER & SAKE FESTIVAL Harrah’s Resort Southern California, Valley Center, harrahssocal.com Taste more than 100 types of sake and craft beers while noshing on appetizers from some of San Diego’s most talented chefs.
MARGARITA MONTH GRAND TASTING EVENT 6.17 Horton Grand Hotel, Gaslamp margaritamonth.com Be among the 1,200 tequila lovers tasting dozens of margaritas (mixed by the city’s top bartenders) while savoring a smattering of tacos magnificos and rockin’ out to DJ beats and mariachi mayhem. >>>
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CU R R E N T S CALENDAR
J E R I C K E VA N S
6.24 38TH ANNUAL OB STREET FAIR & CHILI COOKOFF Ocean Beach, oceanbeachsandiego.com More than 70,000 San Diegans descend upon OB to vote for the county’s tastiest chili while rocking out to five stages of nonstop music.
ENDURANCE SPORTS PHOTO
ANTONIO DIAZ DE SANDI
6.21 TASTE OF LIBERTY STATION
Liberty Station, NTC Promenade, libertystation.com Sink your teeth into samples from Liberty Station’s array of restos while listening to live music and perusing art from the city’s most creative individuals.
6.25 35TH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL TRIATHLON Spanish Landing Park kozevents.com Compete in either the international course or the sprint course in one of the country’s longest-running triathlons.
K.C. ALFRED
6.25 17TH ANNUAL TASTE OF ADAMS AVENUE N E LV I N C . C E P E D A
Along Adams Ave., adamsavenuebusiness.com Treat your taste buds to food from 40-plus restaurants, coffee shops and bars while walking, biking or riding in a free trolley up and down Adams Avenue.
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PADRES HOME GAMES mlb.com/padres 6.2-4 vs. Colorado Rockies 6.9-11 vs. Kansas City Royals 6.12-14 vs. Cincinnati Reds 6.23-25 vs. Detroit Tigers 6.27-29 vs. Atlanta Braves 6.30-7.2 vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
CU R R E N T S
BY MICHAEL BENNINGER
COMEDY
LAUGHING STOCK JUNE STAND-UP ROUND UP
DANA 6.2 CARVEY “I STOPPED DOING STANDUP ON NEW YEAR’S EVE YEARS AGO. IT’S HARD TO BE FUNNY WHILE DODGING PROJECTILE VOMIT.” — Dana Carvey on Twitter @ Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com
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6.2-3 JUSTIN MARTINDALE
6.23-24 ADELE GIVENS
“‘Thoughts and Prayers’ is my new healthcare plan.”
“I ain’t got no man, but that’s alright ‘cause between Oprah and my gynecologist, I’m satisfied. That’s right, I learned to appreciate that f**king pap smear. Once a year? Bullshit! I’ll see you tomorrow, motherf**ker.”
— Justin Martindale on Twitter @ The Comedy Store, lajolla.comedystore.com
— Adele Givens on Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam. @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com
6.2-3 BRAD GARRETT “I’ll tell you how over my career is: People think I’m Kramer. Mostly the Mexicans, but they’re people.” — Brad Garrett on Gotham Comedy Live @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com
6.8-10 ROBERT KELLY “I’ve been to some sh*tty places. I was in Atlantic City. You ever go to Atlantic City? It’s awful. It’s like Vegas with AIDS.” — Robert Kelly on Just the Tip @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com
6.9-10 RICK INGRAHAM “That’s what a Canadian is, right? A retarded American?” — Rick Ingraham at the Comedy and Magic Club @ The Comedy Store, lajolla.comedystore.com
6.16-17 STEVE BYRNE “If I go to a gas station, I swipe my credit card at the pump and it says, ‘Please come inside and see attendant,’ I’d rather die than go inside and see that attendant. I’d rather get in my car and drive three miles to another gas station than walk 10 yards into your piece of crap place of business because you can’t fix the pump. I’ll take death.” — Steve Byrne on The Late Late Show with James Corden @ The Comedy Store, lajolla.comedystore.com
6.23-24 MICHAEL KOSTA “I went over to my parents’ house to have dinner the other night. And when I say, ‘Go over to my parents’ house,’ I mean walk down the stairs. It’s sad.” — Michael Kosta on The Tonight Show @ The Comedy Store, La Jolla lajolla.comedystore.com
6.29 ILIZA SHLESINGER “If you’ve got a real job, your weekend is very important to you. Because a weekend represents 48 hours that you have to f#%k up the life that you work so hard for all week.” — Iliza Shlesinger on New Wave Dynamic @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com
6.29-7/1 CHRIS DISTEFANO “I handle breakups like a complete woman. Like, every day I just drink Pinot Grigio and listen to Michael Bublé. I’m telling you, the last three months, that’s been my whole life. I call it Pinot 90X.” — Chris Distefano at New York Comedy Club @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com
DA N A C A R V E Y BY E T H A N M I L L E R / G E T T Y I M AG E S F O R S L S L A S V E G A S ; J U ST I N M A RT I N DA L E BY H E C TO R B A R R E TO ; B R A D G A R R E T BY R I C H P O L K / G E T T Y I M AG E S F O R WAT E R K E E P E R A L L I A N C E ; R O B E RT K E L LY P H OTO BY M AT T W I N K E L M E Y E R / G E T T Y I M AG E S ; S T E V E BY R N E BY JA S O N DAV I S / G E T T Y I M AG E S F O R B U D L I G H T; A D E L E G I V E N S BY S C OT T G R I E S / G E T T Y I M AG E S ; M I C H A E L KO STA BY B R I A N B OW E N S M I T H ; I L I Z A S C H L E S I N G E R BY J E R E M Y F R E E M A N ; C H R I S D I S T E FA N O BY M I K E C O P P O L A / G E T T Y I M AG E S F O R S P I K E T V.
@PACIFICSD | JUNE 2017
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PUlSE
ART BEAT / GALLERY & EXHIBIT OPENINGS
“ARTHATCH STUDIO ARTISTS: FURS, TAILS, FEATHERS & SCALES”
JUNE
BY LISA DEADERICK AND MAYA KROTH
6.10-7.1
DISTINCTION GALLERY, 317 E. Grand Ave., Escondido, 760.781.5779, distinctionart.com This studio artists’ exhibition features original paintings, mixed media, photography and other works by more than 30 in-house artists displaying their interpretations of the spirit of animals. >>>
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Artwork by Jamie Kanes.
P U L S E A R T B E AT
6.1 “Artist as Producer: An Artist Talk by Huai Li” SPARKS GALLERY 530 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp 619.696.1416, sparksgallery.com UC San Diego visual art lecturer Huai Li will discuss and demonstrate the sweeping lines and artistry of Chinese calligraphy from 6:30 to 8 p.m., presenting Chinese ink and acrylic on paper, acrylic on canvas and 24-karat-gold-leaf-covered Birchwood “religious icon” panels that use 13th-century techniques.
6.2-25 “PROUD” THE STUDIO DOOR 3750 30th St., North Park 619.255.4920, thestudiodoor.com Leading into the San Diego Pride events next month, LGBTQ artists present their contemporary works to celebrate diversity and pride. CLOCKWISE (from top left): “All That Grandeur” by Huai Li; “Untitled Lamps” courtesy of Neugerriemschneider, Berlin; work by Pablo Llana; work by Patrick Brown.
6.10-8.5 “New Contemporaries of the SD Art Prize” BASILEIE + CM CURATORIAL 2070 Logan Avenue, Barrio Logan 858.361.9052, basile-ie.com and cmartino.com Barrio Logan artists who’ve been nominated for this year’s San Diego Art Prize have their work on display in this show, which includes pieces made from recycled junk-food wrappers and large-format textile art.
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6.12-8.5 Jorge Pardo LUX ART INSTITUTE 1550 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas, 760.436.6611, luxartinstitute.org Havana-born artist Jorge Pardo has been recognized as a MacArthur “genius” and once spent six years designing a utopian compound in the depths of the Yucatan jungle. This summer, he’ll work a five-day residence at Lux, followed by an exhibition of his vibrant, genre-defying artworks. >>>
@PACIFICSD | JUNE 2017
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P U L S E
THROUGH 7.9 “Material Obsessions/ A Group Show”
A R T B E AT
SPARKS GALLERY 530 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp 619.696.1416, sparksgallery.com Members of the Allied Craftsmen of San Diego highlight the unique and inventive processes of creating work in ceramics, enamel, fiber, furniture, wood, mixed media, metals, jewelry and glass.
CLOCKWISE (from top left): Artwork by Padgett Mason; three works appearing in “Material Obsessions”; “Newz!” by Math Bass; “Maximilien Luce” by Monet.
6.14-26 “Catnip Connection 11” GALLERY 21 AT SPANISH VILLAGE ART CENTER 1770 Village Place, Balboa Park 619.233.9050, gallery21art.org In honor of all cats, wild and domestic, this annual juried exhibition will feature feline-focused artwork in different media.
6.24-1.21.18 “Reflections on Monet” SAN DIEGO MUSEUM OF ART 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park 619.232.7931, sdmart.org This special viewing of the French Impressionist painter’s “Le Bassin de Nympheas” shows how the artist used broad brushstrokes to create texture and a sense of light, and how he conveyed the changing qualities of light and color in nature.
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THROUGH 7.23 “Prospect 2017” MCASD DOWNTOWN, JACOBS BUILDING 1100 & 1001 Kettner Blvd., downtown, 858.454.3541, mcasd.org MCASD’s international and contemporary collectors groups may acquire some of the pieces (“prospects”) on display at this presentation of eight artists’ work, which conveys themes including visions of daily life, the body, revisions of art history and engaging with past and present political realities.
THROUGH 8.20 “Go Tell It: Selections from MCASD’s Collection” MCASD DOWNTOWN, JACOBS BUILDING 1100 & 1001 Kettner Blvd., downtown 858.454.3541, mcasd.org See the relationships between art and forms of political protest and speech in pieces from the museum’s permanent collection.
THROUGH 11.12 “Trappings: Homage to the Horse and Other Steeds” MINGEI INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park 619.239.0003, mingei.org In time for Opening Day at Del Mar, take in art that celebrates the power and speed of horses and other animals that bear people’s burdens, with clay and wood horses from India, camel items from Asia and the Middle East, and artifacts from Native American and Mexican horse culture.
THROUGH 8.18 “Baja’s Wild Side” SAN DIEGO NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park 619.232.3821, sdnhm.org Take a photographic trip through Baja California’s Pacific coast via the work of Dan Cartamil, a Scripps Institution of Oceanography shark expert and marine biologist who’s been exploring the region.
CLOCKWISE (from top left): “Go Tell It” by Mario Ybarra, Jr.; “Veeran Horse, 19th Century”; “Canoas Sunset” by Dan Cartamil.
@PACIFICSD | JUNE 2017
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P U L S E
BY SARAH PFLEDDERER
PERFORMING ARTS
J U N E
P E R F O R M I N G 6.9-7.2: James and the Giant Peach Coronado Playhouse 1835 Strand Way, Coronado 619.435.4856, coronadoplayhouse.com Follow James’ peculiar escape from his haggish aunts in a gargantuan peach, which houses personable insects on a juicy, cross-ocean adventure.
6.9-7.30: Big Fish
6.1-3: Minor Fall/Major Lift Lyceum Space, 79 Horton Plaza, downtown, 619.544.1000, sdrep.org Inspired by a folktale about a Jewish boy who is stolen from his family, raised in the Catholic Church and becomes pope, this bicoastal collaboration between San Diego’s Malashock Dance and New York-based New Amsterdam Records explores reactions to change.
6.2-18: Damn Yankees
Lamb’s Players Theatre 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado 619.437.6000, lambsplayers.org Before beginning a family of his own, Will seeks to set straight his dying father’s tall tales, which include meeting witches and kissing mermaids during his traveling-salesman days.
Spreckels Theatre 121 Broadway, St. 600, downtown 619.235.9500, spreckels.net Forget the peanuts and Cracker Jacks. Baseball fanatic Joe Boyd is selling his soul to the devil to save his favorite team. Now, if they don’t win, it really is a shame!
6.11-7.9: Withering Heights
6.3: Body Rock: Homecoming 2017
6.11-7.15: King Richard II
San Diego Civic Theatre 1100 Third Ave., downtown 619.570.1100, sandiegotheatres.org This international hip-hop competition returns to where it all began 18 years ago: San Diego.
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Diversionary Theatre 4545 Park Blvd., Ste. 101, University Heights 619.220.0097, diversionary.org Two actors take on 14 roles in this gothic parody of Emily Brontë’s novel “Wuthering Heights.”
The Old Globe Theatre 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park 619.234.5623, theoldglobe.org Robert Sean Leonard of the
A R T S Fox TV series “House” stars in Shakespeare’s historical portrait of the war-thirsty King Richard II and his reckless attempts to rule.
6.13-18: The Bodyguard San Diego Civic Theatre 1100 Third Ave., downtown 619.570.1100, sandiegotheatres.org Rachel, a celebrity with a stalker problem, and Frank, her bodyguard, have conflicting views of who wears the pants in their relationship – and whether it’s OK to take them off.
6.14-7.1: Aida Moonlight Stage Productions 200 Civic Center Dr., Vista 760.724.2110, moonlightstage.com Love, loyalty and betrayal linger in this Elton John-scored love triangle about two princesses and the soldier with whom they’re both in love.
6.22–7.8: The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe Diversionary Theatre 4545 Park Blvd., Ste. 101 University Heights 619.220.0097, diversionary.org Beginning with a bag lady consulting aliens about life on earth, this one-woman tour de force orbits around 12 characters and their sometimes out-of-this-world understandings of humanity.
2017 SEASON
BROADWAY’S BEST UNDER THE STARS!
JUNE 14 JULY 1
JULY 19 AUGUST 5
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Experience award-winning Broadway musical theatre at the Moonlight Amphitheatre, voted San Diego’s Best Outdoor Theatre by readers of San Diego Magazine. Dining options include pre-show dinners at the Artisan Café, or bring-your-own picnic suppers.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! | MOONLIGHTSTAGE.COM | 760.724.2110
P U L S E
BY MICHAEL BENNINGER
MOVIES
JUNE MOTION
PICTURE PREVIEW
Still image from the movie “Dean.”
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Power. Grace. Wisdom. Wonder. FANTASY | ACTION Director: Patty Jenkins Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright IN THEATERS: JUNE 2 After growing up in a hidden island oasis, the princess of the Amazons absconds with a stranded pilot to prevent a catastrophic event.
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A comedy about tragedy. DRAMA | COMEDY Director: Demetri Martin Starring: Demetri Martin, Kevin Kline, Gillian Jacobs IN THEATERS: JUNE 2 Following his mother’s death, an East Coast illustrator travels to L.A. to gain perspective, while his grieving father attempts to sell the family home.
THE MUMMY Ancient evil returns. FANTASY | ACTION Director: Alex Kurtzman Starring: Tom Cruise, Sofia Boutella, Annabelle Wallis IN THEATERS: JUNE 9 Kicking off the new Dark Universe movie franchise, this film follows the adventures of a man who inadvertently unearths an ancient princess who has a score to settle with civilization. >>>
P U L S E MOVIES
IT COMES AT NIGHT Fear turns men into monsters. MYSTERY | HORROR Director: Trey Edward Shults Starring: Joel Edgerton, Riley Keough, Christopher Abbott IN THEATERS: JUNE 9 An ominous threat forces a couple and their child to remain hidden at home, until a forlorn family arrives on their door, eager to share shelter.
THE HERO DRAMA | COMEDY Director: Brett Haley Starring: Sam Elliott, Laura Prepon, Nick Offerman IN THEATERS: JUNE 9 An over-the-hill actor confronted with cancer finds love with a far younger woman while struggling to re-establish a relationship with his neglected daughter.
ROUGH NIGHT The hangover will be the least of their problems. DRAMA | COMEDY EATRE Director: Lucia Aniello TH Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Kate McKinnon, Zoë Kravitz IN THEATERS: JUNE 16 When a male stripper winds up dead at a Miami Beach bachelorette party, the hard-partying besties who accidentally killed him must disentangle themselves from the situation without getting busted for possession.
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It’s not over until Lightning strikes. ADVENTURE | COMEDY Director: Brian Fee Starring: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Bonnie Hunt IN THEATERS: JUNE 16 After a tragic accident nearly forces him to quit doing what he does best, Lightning McQueen returns to racing for one final contest against a new class of competitors.
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Face your deepest fears. HORROR Director: Johannes Roberts Starring: Mandy Moore, Claire Holt, Matthew Modine IN THEATERS: JUNE 16 When vacationing sisters go cage-diving in shark-infested waters, the chain tethering them to the boat breaks, and they sink to the ocean floor with little hope of living.
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Never leave things undone. DRAMA | THRILLER Director: Colin Trevorrow Starring: Naomi Watts, Jaeden Lieberher, Jacob Tremblay IN THEATERS: JUNE 16 The older son of a single mother serves as head of household — despite having yet to hit puberty — yet he takes on even more important responsibility after learning the dark truth about the girl next door.
TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT For one world to live, another must die. FANTASY | SCI-FI Director: Michael Bay Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Isabela Moner, Josh Duhamel IN THEATERS: JUNE 21 In a world where humans and Transformers are engaged in an all-out war, the secret to saving civilization lies hidden in the alien robots’ history. >>>
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THE BEGUILED
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DRAMA | WESTERN Director: Sofia Coppola Starring: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst IN THEATERS: JUNE 23 When a wounded Union soldier seeks refuge at a girl’s boarding school in Virginia, sexual frustrations boil over into bitter clashes among the women watching after him.
All you need is one killer track. CRIME | THRILLER Director: Edgar Wright Starring: Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Lily James IN THEATERS: JUNE 28 A reluctant getaway driver with a passion for his iPod attempts to break free of his sketchy past after falling in love at first sight.
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DESPICABLE ME 3 Oh brother. ADVENTURE | COMEDY Directors: Pierre Coffin & Kyle Balda Starring: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Trey Parker IN THEATERS: JUNE 30 Hijinks ensue after the leader of the lovable Minions meets his long-lost twin brother.
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THE HOUSE If you can’t beat the house, be the house. COMEDY Director: Andrew J. Cohen Starring: Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Ryan Simpkins IN THEATERS: JUNE 30 When the parents of a college-age girl foolishly lose her entire education fund, they attempt to recoup the loss by transforming their home into a first-class suburban casino.
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Stassi is wearing Gorjana fringe earrings, $35, Nordstrom Fashion Valley; swimsuit, model’s own. 48
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IN AN INTROSPECTIVE REALITY STAR DIVES BACK INTO TV Despite leaving Vanderpump Rules after Season 3, Stassi Schroeder returned to the show for Season 5. Bravo TV’s hit reality series about the beautiful staff at multimillionaire Lisa Vanderpump’s West Hollywood restaurant SUR (Sexy Unique Restaurant) is a spin-off of the network’s The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Schroeder, who has dated fellow Vanderpump cast members including Jax Taylor and Peter Madrigal, recently rekindled with former beau, radio host Patrick Meagher, as evidenced by a photo of the two posted to Schroeder’s Instagram on May 22 with the caption “Back again” followed by three blue hearts. It’s almost like reality, only more fun to watch. PACIFIC: How did you get involved with Vanderpump Rules? [Bravo] came to us, and we were all told to have a meeting at SUR, and I thought that it was like a restaurant meeting. Turns out they said, “We want to do a show on you guys, so we’re gonna interview all of you.” It kind of then just went from there.
Photography by K.C. Alfred Wardrobe Stylist: Kristi Brooks Hair and Makeup: Thorne Artistry Photographer’s Assistant: Ryan Miller SHOT ON LOCATION (EXCEPT WHERE NOTED) AT: Broadstone Little Italy broadstonelittleitaly.com
Describe what you do for a living. I expose my personality, and what happens to me on a regular basis, for the sake of other people being able to relate. So, even if it’s not on Vanderpump Rules, but I talk about it on my podcast (“Straight Up With Stassi”), it’s all for the sake of making people feel less alone. I watch reality TV and I listen to other people’s podcasts, so I know what I want to hear and I know what I want to see. I want to see real shit that I can relate to. If something embarrassing happens to me, like I get wasted and fight with somebody on TV and I’m mortified by it, at least people can relate to that and be like, ‘God, I feel so much better about the time that I did that.’ Or a dating story that I tell on my podcast that happened to me – at least I’m making somebody else feel less alone. What’s the coolest thing that’s happened to you
because you’ve been on the show? One is my podcast; I don’t think I would have ever had the opportunity to do it. I don’t think anyone would give me that chance if I wasn’t already on a show. I feel really thankful for that. Also, being able to go to Fashion Week. Every time that I’m in New York and I’m at a fashion show and I’m sitting there, my whole body tingles, and I can’t believe I’m here. I know that’s because I was on a television show. How did you get started doing podcasts? I was with my ex-boyfriend Patrick* at the time, and he’s a Sirius XM radio host. I became best friends with one of his best girlfriends, Taylor Strecker, who’s a Sirius XM radio host. So, when I lived in New York, I was always at Sirius XM; I was always around radio people. I’ve listened to talk radio for a while, so I’ve appreciated it, but I always thought, “There is no way in hell I could ever do what they do.” I would watch them and I’m like, “Oh, my God, your brain has to be going the whole time.” You have to listen and think and speak at the same time. (Ultimately), CBS Radio’s Play.it network came to me and they said, “We want to give you a podcast, an opportunity. We’ll give you six months to see if you can make something of it and, if not, we can fire you.” I was like, “No, no, I can’t do that.” Patrick, at the time, was really adamant about me doing it, because he’s like, ‘You really don’t have anything to lose. I can teach you everything.” I’ve been doing (the show) for two and a half years and I’ve never missed a week. *[Editor’s note: This interview was conducted May 16. On May 22, Schroeder announced on Instagram that she and Meagher had gotten back together.] What’s the podcast about? I want people to feel like they’re getting drunk with their friends, talking to their friends about @PACIFICSD | JUNE 2017
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things that they normally don’t say in public. I want people to listen and be like, “I think the same thing. Thank God somebody is finally saying it!” I want it to be real, I don’t want to edit it. Anything strange happen to you since you’ve been on the show? One time, somebody tweeted me and said, “I just sat on the same toilet that Stassi did.” That really made me feel weird. What’s it like to be stopped on the street by fans? I’m so thankful for it. Unless, I’m maybe on the toilet, then not so much. Then I’m like, “Just hold off one minute.” What have you learned about yourself since being on the show? I feel like I’ve been forced to recognize a lot of my faults. Like, seeing Season 1 – now I watch that and I’m like, “Who is that? Who was I?” I thought I knew everything. I really thought I had my whole life figured out. And the older I get, the more I realize I know less and I know nothing. So, it’s kind of like you’re forced to really see, like, wow, you’re a selfish person. How do you get better at that? What’s dating like when you’re on a reality show? That is the hardest part about being on a reality show, because I’m not attracted to men who want to be on a reality show. And my job requires for whoever I’m dating to be on it. Say I meet somebody, and they’re super eager to be on it, I’m like, “Do you like me, or was this you just trying to get on something?” But then, if I like somebody 50
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and they don’t want to be on it, then I get in trouble, and that hurts my job. Being on a reality show, you’re just exposed. What was it like leaving the show during Season 3, and then returning later? I always say that I needed to leave. What’s great about our show, and, I think, what makes it so popular and special, is that we were a real group of friends who were dating each other – best friends -- and we did everything together and worked together before we ever had a show. They didn’t have to cast us and tell us to be best friends and hang out. Because of that, while it makes our show really good and entertaining and real, it also makes it that much more painful. When you’re fighting, when things happen and go down, those are actually the people that you would call after a day of work. I’m actually fighting with my real friends or my boyfriends. That’s very real. And Season 3, I just felt like I couldn’t… too much had happened with my ex-boyfriend, and then with one of my best friends, and I didn’t know how to be myself there. I needed to take a break from it. Actually, the break only made me more appreciative of my job, because I love doing this and I missed my friends. And everybody makes mistakes. Did you watch it while you weren’t on? No… because I thought I would be sad. Check out Stassi’s podcast, “Straight Up With Stassi,” on CBS Radio’s Play.it network. Catch reruns of Vanderpump Rules on Bravo until Season 6 premieres.
ABOVE: Saylor top, $165, and Aqua bracelets, $48 each, Bloomingdales Fashion Valley; Boys + Arrows bottoms, $101, and Steve Madden booties, $129, Nordstrom Fashion Valley; Love Tatum Daisy ring, $368, and Black Garnet ring, $408, lovetatum.com. RIGHT: PilyQ Monique cover-up, $134, PilyQ Sterling bikini top, $84, and Sterling bikini bottoms, $84, pilyq.com; Bauble Bar earrings, $38, and Rebecca Minkoff slides, $315, Nordstrom Fashion Valley. BELOW: Still shots from Season 5 of “Vanderpump Rules” (photos courtesy of Bravo).
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PilyQ Natalia cover up, $134, pilyq.com; Helen Berman fedora, $128, Bloomingdales Fashion Valley.
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SHOT ON LOCATION AT: Kettner Exchange kettnerexchange.com
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“It’s all for the sake of making people feel less alone.”
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PilyQ fringe tunic, $134, pilyq.com; Aqua earrings, $34, Bloomingdale’s Fashion Valley; Just Shelly mules, $138, Bloomingdales Fashion Valley.
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GET DRAWN INTO THE CITY’S SPLASHIEST SCENE Last summer brought record-shattering, triple-digit temps to America’s Finest City. And, despite the fact that the term “climate change” no longer appears on the White House’s website, the next few months aren’t likely to cool down. To help beat the heat (and the depressing news cycle), here’s a guide to a different breed of dive bars, splashy scenes where San Diegans can make waves in the sun.
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VIEJAS CASINO 5000 Willows Rd., Alpine 619.445.5400, viejas.com
Viejas’ is doubling down this summer with a new pool bar and lounge. Relish the al fresco ambience with a specialty cocktail, hit the hot tub or chill in a private cabana.
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ROOFTOP SOCIAL AND POOL HOUSE SUNDAYS AT PENDRY HOTEL 550 J St., Gaslamp Quarter 619.738.7000, pendrysandiego.com
Take a dip at Pendry San Diego’s sizzling rooftop hotspot overlooking Fifth Avenue and set against the backdrop of San Diego’s skyline. Rooftop Socials kick off weekdays at 5 p.m. with a happy hour featuring $1 oysters and half-price everything else. When night falls, Pool House transforms into a rooftop lounge, offering loads of drinks and tasty treats. Sundays at 1 p.m., lean back in a chaise lounger as Pool House serves up rising DJs and other brunchtime necessities. ARLENE IBARRA
THE SUMMER OF LOVE AT THE LAFAYETTE HOTEL 2223 El Cajon Blvd., North Park 619.296.2101, lafayettehotelsd.com
Love is in the air at The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows during a season-long schedule of splash bashes surrounding the hotel’s celebrated 300,000-gallon Weissmuller Pool. Sip specialty cocktails prepared poolside while DJs spin from noon till 5 p.m. If the mood is right, grab a sweetheart and rent a semi-private cabana with comfy couches perfect for canoodling. 58
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DIVE AT HARRAH’S RESORT SOCAL 777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Valley Center 760.751.3100, harrahssocal.com
Harrah’s Dive Day Club may be a thing of the past, but the spirit of the three-year “swimdig” lives on at the resort’s current aquatic experience, dubbed Dive. Dive features SoCal’s only swim-up bar, and the resort is home to a 400-foot lazy river that beckons the pool-hardy to come float for a few laps. Listen to live Latin beats on Thursdays nights, with DJs spinning Dive After Dark on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, it’s time to get irie as a pair of reggae bands jam from noon till 6 p.m. (Must be a hotel guest in order to get wet.)
GROOVE BRUNCH AND DIVE-IN THEATRE AT THE PEARL HOTEL 1410 Rosecrans St., Point Loma 619.226.6100, thepearlsd.com
Point Loma’s posh, sea-themed hotel is back with its annual pair of poolside events. The Dive-In Theatre is a free, weekly outdoor social affair centered on films projected near the oyster-shaped pool. And, on weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Pearl’s Groove Brunch is back with fan-favorite midday entrees paired with bottomless mimosas, followed by DJ beats and curated jams till 4 p.m.
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SUNBURN AND INTERVENTION AT FLOAT ROOFTOP POOL & LOUNGE AT HARD ROCK HOTEL SAN DIEGO 207 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp 619.702.3000, hardrockhotelsd.com
Party like (or even with) a rock star at Float, Hard Rock Hotel San Diego’s rockin’ rooftop and poolside paradise. Tricked-out cabanas and cushy daybeds are available weekdays till midnight, but the real party begins on the weekend. Saturdays at noon, lather on the SPF for Sunburn, billed as “the ultimate dayparty.” On Sundays beginning July 2, get ready for explosive bass, (too) many drinks and waking up in wet shorts. No, you don’t need an Intervention – you just had one, as Hard Rock’s signature pool party returns with world-famous DJs.
Side Bar
BONUS: Keep the party going after Sunburn at the event’s official afterparty, hosted at the sleek and sexy Side Bar. With pop-up hot tubs and killer beats by Common Dream and DJ Escobar, this summer is set to be Side Bar’s hottest one yet. Side Bar 536 Market St., Gaslamp 619.696.0946, sidebarsd.com
WHIT PRESTON
PALOMAR
1047 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp 619.515.3000, hotelpalomar-sandiego.com Hotel Palomar’s exclusive, yet unpretentious poolside sanctuary serves as a relaxing refuge for those thirsty to try something new. The bar’s menu features a potent list of potables and an assortment of small plates highlighting modern takes on comfort classics.
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LEVEL FOUR POOL DECK + LOUNGE AT KIMPTON HOTEL HIATUS POOL LOUNGE AT HOTEL LA JOLLA 7955 La Jolla Shore Dr., La Jolla 858.551.3600, hotellajolla.com
Bikinis and big smiles abound at Hotel La Jolla’s Hiatus Pool Lounge. Surrounded by palm trees and located moments from the sand, Hiatus invites guests to soak in a chic, poolside vibe while sipping on tiki cocktails and/or old-school canned beer Thursdays through Sundays starting at 4 p.m.
THE SHORE POOL AT KIMPTON HOTEL SOLAMAR 435 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp 619.819.9500, hotelsolamar.com
Above the hustle and bustle of downtown, the urban oasis atop Hotel Solamar hosts lavish, liquefied socials Sundays on the fourth-floor pool deck. The pool is reserved for overnight guests, but all are invited to soak in the views from Solamar Terrace while enjoying brunch and cocktails from Solamar’s redesigned outdoor lounge, Upper East (formerly LoungeSix).
SOL SUNDAYS AT THE ROOFTOP BY STK AT ANDAZ HOTEL 600 F St., Gaslamp 619.849.1234, andazsandiego.com
Spend the weekend’s waning hours on downtown’s largest outdoor rooftop venue during SOL Sundays at Andaz. Offering pool addicts an ideal spot to cool down when temps go up, this laidback gathering takes place on an epic deck with remarkable skyline views. Lounge poolside or post up in a private cabana while local DJs spin splashy soundscapes.
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C O M I N G
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PECHANGA RESORT & CASINO 45000 Pechanga Pkwy., Temecula 951.693.1819, pechanga.com
Pechanga’s pool complex has long been a bastion for those seeking to beat the heat, yet San Diegans eager to take a dip in Temecula might want to make other arrangements this summer, as the resort’s pool facility is in a state of transition (opening in early 2018). In the meantime, splash around elsewhere and look for a brand new Pechanga pool experience opening early next year. (Must be a hotel guest in order to get wet.)
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WETTING CRASHERS Putting pool-hopping days in the past
SYCUAN CASINO 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon 619.445.6002, sycuan.com
After nearly 35 years in El Cajon, Sycuan is finally building an onsite hotel that will feature two pools (one for ages 21-plus only), plus a lazy river. An opening date is still up in the air, but it’s a safe bet that this place will be making a big splash in 2019.
While the thrill of sneaking into a private pool can be exhilarating, getting tossed out by bouncers is a real bummer. That’s why San Diegan Amanda Szabo created ResortPass, a new startup that lets users dip into incredible resort pools without having to be a guest (or waiting until no one’s watching). It’s a way to enjoy the city’s best amenities on a budget. Pick a resort, choose a date and book your pass. Prices start at $20, and new retreats and resorts are being added all the time. resortpass.com
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AESTHETIC ENHANCEMENTS FOR BEACH (AND POOL) BUNNIES BY KAI OLIVER-KURTIN
Whether waxing poetic or waxing for a bikini, ’tis the season to be summer-ready. Here’s a superficial view of how to get there.
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SUMMER ESSENTIALS FOR STAYING HOT IN THE HEAT BEST FOOT FORWARD Tend to those tootsies with a longlasting gel pedicure at Hello Birdie Nail & Lash Lab, known for providing creative nail art that incorporates a negative-space design at the cuticle so nail growth is less obvious. Hello Birdie recently teamed with San Diego brand Sara Elizabeth Skincare to offer Birdies of Paradise – an illuminating foot soak, brightening scrub, massage, toner, antioxidant treatment, velveteen foot cream and choice of nail polish. From $28.
SCRUB-A-DUB-DUB Improve the appearance of skin from head to toe with an exfoliating body scrub, which is said to boost circulation, enhance the skin’s ability to absorb moisturizers and reveal new, healthier skin. For a lux experience, try Driftwood Spa’s 50-minute Citrus Sugar Glow service, which includes a citruskombucha body wash, ginger-lime sugar scrub and warm Moroccan oil infusion (from $150). For the budget-conscious, the 30-minute Asian body scrub at Karma Spa includes sauna time, a Vichy shower and sea-salt scrub. From $41.
HELLO BIRDIE NAIL & LASH LAB 3032 University Ave., North Park 619.358.9875, hellobirdielab.com
MADE IN THE SHADE Stave off wrinkles and other unmentionables by taking a break from the sun and getting a spray-tan instead. For a custom service, try Blush Tan’s organic airbrush treatment, which features oil- and alcohol-free solutions customized to each customer’s desired skin tone. Or pop in to any of iTAN’s 31 San Diego locations, which stay open late for emergency, last-minute spritzings. Packages from $35. BLUSH TAN 7450 Girard Ave., La Jolla 858.412.4029 blushtan.com/location/san-diego
ITAN
ITAN 31 locations throughout San Diego itan.com
DRIFTWOOD SPA AT FOUR SEASONS Residence Club Aviara 7210 Blue Heron Pl., Carlsbad 760.603.3700, fourseasons.com/northsandiego/spa
KARMA SPA 3969 First Ave., Hillcrest 619.299.9888 2614 El Camino Real, Carlsbad 760.729.9888, karmamassagespa.com @PACIFICSD | JUNE 2017
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THE EYES HAVE IT Protect eyes from sun and sand with eyelash extensions (from Blink Lash Boutique), which look natural, last four to six weeks and make mascara unnecessary. From $99. BLINK LASH BOUTIQUE 7801 Mission Center Ct., #104, Mission Valley 619.964.6082, blinklashboutique.com
ON ONE CONDITION To protect hair throughout the summer, try a L’Oreal Powerdose at DK Hair. This deep-conditioning treatment hydrates and strengthens strands, and lasts for up to seven shampoos. Regular haircuts (every six to eight weeks) and deep conditionings make hair less susceptible to tangling and breakage. From $25. DK HAIR 123 W. Washington St., Mission Hills 619.546.4550, dkhair.com
ABOUT FACE Before clogging pores with sweat and sunscreen all summer, start the season off right with a cleansing facial at Albina Browtique. Using organic, Hungarian skincare products (pictured above) for exfoliating masks, Albina uses practices learned in the Ukraine, including aromatherapy, massage and extractions by hand. Try a 60- or 80-minute European facial and add a brow-shaping or tinting treatment for a full-face refresh. From $100. ALBINA BROWTIQUE 1110 Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla 619.807.0454, yelp.com/biz/albina-browtique-la-jolla
WAX OFF Before slipping into something teeny-weeny, head to The Pretty Kitty for a Brazilian bikini wax, the service that accounts for about 95 percent of the salon’s appointments. While most salons use hard wax, The Pretty Kitty uses a soft Italian cream version designed for sensitive skin. Clients typically enjoy smooth skin for up to four weeks. From $40. THE PRETTY KITTY 320 Third Ave., Chula Vista 619.427.PURR (7877) 1822 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach 858.483.PURR (7877) 1400 Camino De La Reina, Mission Valley 619.795.MEOW (6369) prettykittywax.com
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HUE BETCHA When ditching makeup isn’t an option, consider applying one of Colorescience’s foundations with broad-spectrum sunscreen protection. Headquartered in Carlsbad, Colorescience creates allin-one products, combining suncare, skincare and color. Its best-selling Loose Mineral Foundation Brush SPF 20 is portable and easy to reapply. For more coverage, try the Natural Finish Pressed Foundation SPF 20 compact powder or Tint du Soleil SPF 30 UV Protective Foundation cream. From $54, colorescience.com
STOCK UP ON SUMMER’S MUST-HAVES BY KAI OLIVER-KURTIN Don’t take sand to the beach. Fill that tote with these critical carry-alongs to stay cool and captivating instead.
S.P.EFF-YEAH!
FACE TIME
Manufactured in San Diego using solar power, Coola’s organic SPF 30 scented sprays – available in fragrances including tropical coconut, guava mango, piña colada, citrus mimosa and fresh cucumber – help sunblock double as perfume. From $32, coolasuncare.com
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is designed to keep skin hydrated in extreme environments without leaving a greasy residue. Also available in a sunscreen formula, it absorbs moisture from the air to keep skin soft and healthy-looking. Use it before, during and after a beach trip to keep from drying out. From $18, kiehls.com
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LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE Founded by North Park resident Noel Churchill, Rainbow OPTX offers sunglasses that shield eyes (with UV 400 protection) and improve moods. Available in five styles, the shades come with lenses in 10 different colors, each corresponding to a different chakra – think indigo for the third eye, and rose for the heart – brightening days with attitude-boosting color therapy. From $29.97, rainbowoptx.com
DO THE DO
A HEAD OF THE GAME Keep things covered with a hat from Mother Trucker & Co., offering mesh backings for breathability. The brand’s Locals Only collection includes an Instagrammable hashtag (#SD) and isn’t available for purchase by Zonies. Tip of the hat to the two San Diego moms behind this trendy headwear line, which is becoming popular among celebrities. From $25, mothertruckerco.com
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If hair isn’t stuffed into a baseball cap, it needs another line of defense. Sun Bum’s Beach Formula UV-Protecting 3 in 1 Leave In spray (available at the Sun Bum concept store in Encinitas) detangles and conditions hair while controlling frizz and slowing color fade. The company’s lightweight Sea Spray protects locks from the elements while enabling enviable beachy waves. For extra softness, try the deep-conditioning masque to restore hair’s hydration and resilience. From $14.99, trustthebum.com
GETTING A ROUND Secure a circular spot on the sand with a beach towel by Slippa. Designed in San Diego, the five-foot-diameter towels are made with soft cotton velour. Artists from around the world contributed the hand-drawn designs, while the towel carriers are made from repurposed leather salvaged from airplanes at San Diego International Airport. From $50, slippa.net
WATER WISE Fill up a S’well metal water bottle to stay hydrated and help keep the ocean free of plastic. The triple-wall feature keeps drinks cold for 24 hours or hot for 12, while The Resort Collection’s tropical-beachscape designs set the mood for a day of play. From $25, swellbottle.com
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TASTE
D I N I N G O U T / WE’LL SEA
A QUICK LOOK AT RESTAURANTS OPENING ALONG THE COAST (OR ALMOST) A wave of fresh eateries is sweeping across the San Diego coastline, and the outlook is swell. From the Embarcadero to PB to Carlsbad, sea (pun intended) what’s new and what’s coming soon. >>>
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BY PAM KRAGEN
JUNE
PORTSIDE PIER: EMBARCADERO This $13 million multi-restaurant project proposed by The Brigantine would replace the old Anthony’s Fish Grotto, the family-run Embarcadero seafood eatery that closed its doors in January after 71 years in business. Portside Pier – which will be built on the site of the old Anthony’s – would include a Brigantine on the Bay, Miguel’s Cocina, Ketch & Grill Taps and walk-up gelato/coffee bar. The San Diego Port District awarded the property lease to Brigantine last year, but the project ran into opposition in February from the Coastal Commission. Until the issue is resolved, developers aren’t announcing construction plans. 1360 N. Harbor Dr., Embarcadero tuckersadler.com/projects/commercial/portside-pier
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OB SURF LODGE: OCEAN BEACH In March, Social Syndicate opened this ground-floor full-service restaurant (formerly Shades) in Ocean Beach. Louisiana-raised chef Nick Brune has developed a Southern-inspired menu with a focus on brunch service, though breakfast, lunch and dinner are also served. Upstairs is Wonderland, another Social Syndicate restaurant serving lunch, dinner and drinks. >>> 5083 Santa Monica Dr., Ocean Beach 619.955.5475, obsurflodge.com
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NOW OPEN IN LITTLE ITALY
TA ST E DINING OUT
COOPER’S MARKET & CAFÉ: LA JOLLA
SHORELINE: MISSION BAY
The former Shore Thing Café in La Jolla Shores is under new ownership and will soon have a new name and look. New owner Lisa Kennedy plans to revamp the café and sundries shop with a new patio, new décor, new menu and expanded coffee service. The project was slated for completion in late May.
Sometime in 2018, Shoreline Café will open in the long-shuttered Mission Bay Visitors Center at the foot of Clairemont Drive on Mission Bay. Following a renovation, the building will become an airy, counter-service casual eatery serving coffee, juices, beer, wine and grab-and-go food.
8080 La Jolla Shores Dr., La Jolla 619.756.7770, shorethingcafe.com
2688 East Mission Bay Dr., Mission Bay Park shorelinemissionbay.com
WATERBAR SAN DIEGO: PACIFIC BEACH The long-shuttered Joe’s Crab Shack on the boardwalk near Crystal Pier has been razed to make way for a large ocean-centric restaurant/bar with floor-to-ceiling windows and a menu focused on shellfish from the East and West coasts, as well as Baja. Owners are billing it as a “social seafood experience” that’s part social club, part breakfast spot and part dinner house/bar. It’s scheduled to open in August/September. >>> 4325 Ocean Blvd., Pacific Beach, waterbarsd.com
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PARK 101: CARLSBAD This multilevel, 8,000-square-foot destination in Carlsbad Village – scheduled to open in June – will include a market, shops, a picnicfriendly plaza and four dining and drinking options. Owned and managed by Peter Cich, Doug Sondomowicz and Rob McShea, Park 101 will include both grab-and-go and sit-down options. The park’s market will serve takeout hot sandwiches, juices and coffee, ice cream and house-made doughnuts. Park 101 Barbecue will serve ribs and other meat-centric barbecue dishes. The Garden Pub will offer up to 32 local beers on tap and regional wines. And the Tamarack View Deck will serve gourmet snacks from a rooftop lounge with seats arranged around fire pits. 3040 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad park101carlsbad.com
LITTLE ITALY’S LOADING DOCK This new Little Italy neighborhood bar and grill opened in March, replacing 98 Bottles. Its name is drawn from the docks where the region’s tuna fleet once offloaded its daily catch. The restaurant’s barbecuecentric menu features tri-tip, pulled pork and BBQ chicken sandwiches; salads and flatbreads; cocktails and craft beer. An event space showcases live comedy on Wednesday nights. 2400 Kettner Blvd., # 110, Little Italy 619.255.7885, liloadingdock.com
UNNAMED PACIFIC BEACH PROJECT
NAUTILUS TAVERN
Back in 2015, the venerable dive bar PB Bar & Grill was sold to the Verant Group, the hospitality collective that runs West Coast Tavern, True North, barleymash and Sandbar. The new owners closed it that spring, and it’s been undergoing a heavy remodel ever since. The concept and its opening date have been kept under wraps, but Verant officials said it will be a restaurant/bar.
Nautilus Tavern brings cocktails, local craft beer, burgers and wings to Windansea. Enjoy brunch, lunch and dinner on two patios, or catch a game on big screens inside the bar.
860 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach, verantgroup.com
6830 La Jolla Blvd., Windansea nautilustavern.com >>>
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PHIL COLLUM PHOTOGRAPHY
BREAKFAST REPUBLIC: OCEAN BEACH The latest outlet of San Diego entrepreneur Johan Engman’s fast-expanding breakfast empire opened in April in the former O.B. Warehouse space. Breakfast Republic occupies the large building’s second floor. The bottom floor will soon become a Coin Haus, an oldfashioned arcade and pour-your-own beer hall by Cohn Restaurant Group. 4839 Newport Ave., Ocean Beach 619.255.7255, breakfastrepublic.com/ocean-beach
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TA ST E DRINK
BY MICHAEL BENNINGER PHOTOS BY K.C. ALFRED
JUST ADD CUTWATER CALIFORNIA’S LARGEST DISTILLERY PROVES THERE’S MORE TO MIRAMAR THAN JUST HOPS
Back in 2008, when Ballast Point was a big favorite among local beer aficionados, but still far from the billion-dollar brewer it is today, a few of the brand’s employees began dabbling in distilling. Fast-forward to the present, and these aleumni from the nowinternational brewing outfit have left the mothership and launched a premium assortment of locally made alcohols under the name Cutwater Spirits. >>>
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THE DISTILLER’S INNOVATIVE AND UNCONVENTIONAL OFFERINGS ENSURE A SPIRIT FOR ALL TASTES.
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CUTWATER ISN’T MERELY THE BIGGEST SPIRITS MAKER IN SAN DIEGO; IT’S ALSO THE LARGEST DISTILLING OPERATION ON THE WEST COAST.
Occupying a 50,000-square-foot distillery near Miramar Road, replete with a spacious tasting room and sprawling restaurant, Cutwater isn’t merely the biggest spirits maker in San Diego; it’s also the largest distilling operation on the West Coast. With an outstanding assortment of rum, gin, vodka, whiskey and liqueur, the distiller’s innovative and unconventional offerings ensure a spirit for all tastes. Here’s a look at the lineup. WHISKEYS Crafted in a custom-built copper still, Devil’s Share Moonshine (98.6 proof, 49.3 percent alcohol by volume) is seductively sinful. With a malty profile and smooth finish, this sweet whiskey contains a touch of tropical fruit and floral flavors, plus higher proof to kick up the warming factor. Available in limited quantities are Cutwater’s bourbon and single-malt shades of Devil’s Share (both 92 proof). Aged in virgin, heavily charred American oak barrels, the smallbatched single-malt is sweet, with woody caramel and vanilla notes
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backed by cinnamon, cardamom and licorice. The bourbon is an exceptionally refined spirit rich with tones of oak, vanilla, cinnamon and tobacco. GINS A unique twist on the classic London Dry style, Old Grove Gin (88 proof) is crafted from freshly cracked juniper berries with subtle hints of rose petals, lemongrass and locally sourced coriander among 11 vapor-infused botanicals. Also available is a barrel-rested version, which spends 50 days unwinding in a charred oak barrel, giving it a smoky-cinnamon taste. VODKAS Named after a famously venomous fish, Fugu Vodka (80 proof) is distilled from top-quality grains and filtered 15 times. In addition to the original offering, Fugu is also available in two distinctly San Diegan flavors: horchata and habanero. Horchata Fugu features a blend of cinnamon, rice, and vanilla; Habanero Fugu adds a fiery finish to any cocktail.
RUMS Crafted from pure cane sugar rather than the typical molasses, Three Sheets Rum (80 proof) comes in three varieties, each distilled in a hybrid pot-and-column still. The standard incarnation of the silky smooth rum stands well on its own or when mixed with whatever. Distilled like a bourbon, the barrel-aged version spends two years in virgin American oak barrels, soaking in subtle nuances of toffee, caramel, vanilla and tobacco. Infused with a blend of seven spices including vanilla bean, nutmeg and cinnamon, the spiced rum is an excellent choice for toasty evenings or islandinspired cocktails. MIXERS & LIQUEUR Bloody Mary fans won’t want to miss Cutwater’s masterful mixes. Available in spicy and mild varieties, this nonalcoholic blend of tomatoes, peppers and spices pairs perfectly with Fugu Vodka for one helluva Bloody. For a more tropical taste, Cutwater’s fruitful Mai Tai Mix offers a refreshing twist on the Tiki classic
when mixed with a shot (or two) of Three Sheets Rum. For a touch of anise, try Cutwater’s Opah Herbal Liqueur (72 proof, available in limited quantities), which offers a warm, licorice flavor ideal for a casual sip or an eye-opening shot. CANNED COCKTAILS Why waste time mixing drinks when you can crack open a Cutwater cocktail-in-a-can instead? The distillery’s quartet of ready-made 12-ouncers includes a potent Fugu Bloody Mary (10 percent alcohol by volume) and an Old Grove Gin & Tonic (6.2 percent alcohol by volume) concocted with housemade grapefruit-cucumber bubbles. Pick up a four-pack of Cutwater’s Three Sheets Rum & Ginger or Rum & Cola (both 7 percent alcohol by volume), blended with a frisky housemade ginger beer and cardamom-infused cola, respectively. CUTWATER SPIRITS 9750 Distribution Ave., Miramar 858.672.FUGU, cutwaterspirits.com Daily tours open to the public
,
PLEASE ENJOY THE UNUSUAL RESPONSIBLY HENDRICK’S GIN, 44% ALC./VOL. ©2017 IMPORTED BY WILLIAM GRANT & SONS, INC. NEW YORK, NY.
TA ST E BREVIN BLACH
BEER
T
TAKE IT FROM THE
BY PETER ROWE
JUNE 2017 | @PACIFICSD
MEET Y
JOSH SCHANER
ER
R MAK U O
A MONTHLY TASTE OF BEER FROM HERE
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A five-minute walk from Fletcher Cove, afternoon of surfing? Pizza Port Solana Beach is heaven for Perfect beers after a surf sesh? A someone who loves beer and craves Kölsch, a pale ale, a dry IPA, blonde waves. Which makes it the perfect spot ales, maybe even a nice kettle sour for Josh Schaner. something light-bodied and refreshing. Head brewer at this Port, the 27-yearNice hoppiness and not too much in old surfer recently discussed ABV (alcohol by volume), so beer and the beach, you can have a few. a match made in Schaner’s divine How about while BREWMASTER Q&A corner of San watching the Diego County. sun set over the Pacific? PACIFIC: When Luckily, here in did you have your SoCal, we have first beer on the warm weather even PIZZA PORT SOLANA BEACH beach? when the sun goes JOSH SCHANER: My first down, so I still prefer a nice beer on the beach was probably hoppy IPA, a double IPA or even a right after I started working at the nice barrel-aged sour. If it were cold, we Carlsbad Village Pizza Port in 2013. We would start talking stouts. walked right out front there by Tower 38 to watch the sunset. Pizza Port pumps out a tsunami of ocean-themed beers, everything from What beers do you grab after an Shark Bite to Swami’s. What’s your >>>
HEAD BREWER
B R E A K F A S T
L U N C H
D I N N E R
2 4 H O U R S A D A Y
D O W N T O W N ’S O N LY F U L L - S E RV I C E 2 4 / 7 R E S TA U R A N T
$ 4 C R A F T BR E W S ( 4 - 7 P. M . D A I LY )
Beer for breakfast? Breakfast tacos at 1 a.m.?
It’s all good at Brian’s 24, serving breakfast 24/7/365*
BREAKFAST TACOS – Three corn or flour tortillas with scrambled eggs, machaca or diced steak, peppers, onions and cheddar jack cheese.
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*366 during Leap Years.
TA ST E BEER
BEER FLOAT Karl Strauss brewpubs fill soda fountain glasses with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce and a chunk of white chocolate, then roll out twin 4-ounce shots of Wreck Alley Imperial Stout (9 percent). Mix to taste – and what a creamy, grainy, roasty and sweet taste it is. Karl Strauss Brewing Co. Multiple locations throughout San Diego County karlstrauss.com
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ET ME YO
MAKE UR
favorite, and how does it resemble its namesake? My favorite is the Ponto Session IPA. This beer is perfect for a hot, summer beach day: light-bodied, low ABV, nice hoppiness. Whether the waves are mackin’ or the sun is blasting at Ponto Beach, this crisp and hoppy session IPA always does the trick. What would be your perfect day on a local beach? It would probably take place here in Solana. I would definitely have my dog with me, a surfboard or two, a small ice chest with a few cans and a growler of fresh brew. Sun is out, waves are firing, everyone else is at work or on some other beach. Pizza Port (Solana Beach) 135 N. Hwy. 101, Solana Beach 858.481.7332, pizzaport.com/locations/ solana-beach
R E D E F I N I N G
“CHILL FACTOR”
As the days get warmer, why not try a beer cooler (er… cooler beer)?
MICHELADA
BREVIN BLACH
The classic Mexican beer cocktail wins a classic update at Las Olas, the landmark restaurant on Highway 101 in Cardiff. Select a Mexican beer on draft, then let the bartender perform that ol’ limejuice-spice-and-BloodyMary mágico. Las Olas (Cardiff) 2655 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Cardiff by-the-Sea 760.942.1860, lasolasmex.com
BREAKFAST BEER On weekends, Coronado Brewing’s tasting room in Imperial Beach tops Orange Avenue Wit (5.2 percent alcohol by volume) with fresh orange juice. Now that’s a brewed awakening! >>> Coronado Brewing Company (Imperial Beach) 875 Seacoast Dr., Imperial Beach 619.423.4900, coronadobrewing.com
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Your Baseball Headquarters! Bring in your game day ticket and receive a $2 Bud or Bud Light pint more than 20 signature burgers over 150 beers 20+HDTVs S A N D I E G O | 3 2 2 5 T H AV E N U E | S A N D I E G O C A 9 2 1 01 | C O L D B E E R S . C O M | 6 1 9 . 5 4 6 . 9 2 9 2 FB:COLDBEERSANDCHEESEBURGERSSANDIEGO
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IG:COLDBEERSANDCHEESEBURGERSCA
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TA ST E BEER
LET’S GO TO THE
HOPS
JUNE BEER EVENTS
BEER ME, PRO OCEAN LOVERS SHARE THEIR BEST BEACHSIDE BREWS Working on the beach can work up a powerful thirst. After a full summer day along the coastline, here’s what pros are drinking.
KRISTIN KUHN, 30P PROGRAMS DIRECTOR AT SAN DIEGO COASTKEEPER “Among other things, Coastkeeper sponsors two beach cleanups a month. After a beach cleanup, I want to go grab some tacos and have a beer. We’re all excited about Bay City Brewery right now. They have a really good session IPA that is really good after a few hours on the beach. It’s really flavorful, really hoppy, really bright – it’s just a really delicious beer.”
6.3 10TH ANNIVERSARY PINK BOOTS SOCIETY CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL: Think pink – pink beer, that is. The Pink Boots Society, which supports women in the beer industry, will conclude its 10th anniversary conference with a beer festival at Liberty Station. Tickets: $45 in advance. Noon to 4 p.m., Ingram Plaza, 2751 Dewey Rd., Liberty Station, Point Loma, 10thanniversary.pinkbootssociety.org
ANDREW STONER, 27 INSTRUCTOR AT OCEAN EXPERIENCE SURF SCHOOL, OCEAN BEACH “Starting early to mid-June, lessons pump pretty hard all summer. I definitely do a bunch of the surf lessons, help out with the surf camp. Kona Big Waves (a golden ale, with a low 4.4 percent alcohol by volume) are pretty solid, especially after being on the beach, surfing. They’re not too heavy, pretty refreshing, and you can drink a few of them.”
ABBY KELM, 27
6.15-18 SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL BEER FESTIVAL: Now in its 11th year, the massive four-day San Diego International Beer Festival – five sessions, hundreds of beers – is expanding. Its new beer pairing dinner, 6 p.m. on June 15, should be the most refreshing meal served at the San Diego County Fair. Tickets: $55 to $110 for the fest and $75 for the dinner. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, sandiegobeerfestival.com
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BARTENDER AT JRDN IN PACIFIC BEACH “Since we are right on the beach, we’ve got the beautiful boardwalk and ocean view, and you’re sitting in the sun, a lot of people like lighter beers. St. Archer Blonde, a Kölsch, is light and easy sipping, not too heavy. And a lot of people, since they are in San Diego, want one of our IPAs. Latitude 33 Blood Orange IPA has a little sweetness on the end, and it’s from Vista so it’s local.
B. CHRIS BREWSTER, 61 FORMER CHIEF OF THE SAN DIEGO LIFEGUARD SERVICE AND NOW THE INTERNATIONAL LIFESAVING FEDERATION’S VICE PRESIDENT “One of my favorite breweries is Rip Current, for obvious reasons. I love Stone and Ballast Point and drink quite a bit of it. But on beaches where beer is legal, I like to have a beer that will not affect my volleyball playing. This is so sad, but the beer that reminds me of summer is Coors Light.”
TA ST E BARTENDER
POINT OF VIEW A BARMAN WETS WHISTLES ON THE WATERFRONT
BY MICHAEL BENNINGER Luis Garcia grew up on the drinking-and-dining scene. “I’ve truly been in or around hospitality my whole life,” he says. “My mom worked in the heart of the house for about 30 years, and my dad was front-of-the-house, serving. I’ve been exposed to it forever, which is one of the reasons why it’s probably my favorite thing to do in life.” Garcia moved to San Diego from Guanajuato, Mexico, at age 2. Today, he’s continuing the family tradition as bar supervisor and bartender at Coasterra, Cohn Restaurant Group’s waterfront landmark on the southern tip of Harbor Island.
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PACIFIC: What’s your greatest strength as a bartender? My greatest strength is appreciating what we do, the simplicity of it and never forgetting that. Coming from my upbringing, hospitality literally put me through school and put a roof over my head. It provided that for me as a child and now it’s providing the same thing for my children. What distinguishes Coasterra from other local bars? We provide phenomenal cocktails you would expect to get at a slower-pace location, and we do a tremendous amount of volume. We pump out cocktails and margaritas
that take hours of effort to prep. We make it look effortless, but the work behind it is crazy. What’s one of the bar’s signature drinks? Deb’s Coconut Margarita is our No. 1 seller. It’s a citrus-forward, margarita-style cocktail with coconut cream, fresh lime juice, Olmeca Altos Reposado tequila and a coconut-salted rim. We sell so much of it, it’s insane. Our shoulders hurt from all the shaking, but we’re very proud of that. What’s your favorite thing on the menu? I love the Mar y Tierra. It’s a
braised short rib with a lobster claw and a little risotto cake. I’m a big fan of mole, and this has a little drizzle of mole right on top of it. That keeps me grounded to San Diego, because, while you can expect to eat mole at a family dinner here, you don’t expect to eat it at a restaurant on a supernice cut of meat with a little claw. What food-and-drink pairing to you recommend first-time visitors try? The ahi tuna tostada is pretty delicious. That, paired with a Noble Margarita, which is our play on a Cadillac. You can’t go wrong with it. We also have some pork belly
K.C. ALFRED
What do you do when you’re not working? I kind of geek out on work and try to stay involved in the bartending community by doing competitions around town. I also love to hang out with my family, and my wife and kids. Plus, I’m on the PTA, so that takes up a little bit of my time. What do you love about bartending competitions? I think that bartending competitions keep you creative and engaged. When you’re in a restaurant setting, you can kind of get stuck building your own menu’s cocktails. Competitions keep you up to date on what everyone else is doing. I try to have all of my bartenders compete in competitions, because I think it gets those creative cells working.
How have you fared at these competitions? I made it to the finals in the 2016 Tiki Oasis and in the Spirits Festival cocktail competition. I got first place in that one as well. I was also a finalist at the Tahona Society 2016.
C R E AT I V E F O U N D S T U D I O
on the menu that’s really good, and we have mussels and chorizo.
What does the future hold for you? Honestly, I’m a lifer. I definitely don’t ever want to step away from bartending. I think that everyone in the industry who decides to stay in bartending for their whole lives has an aspiration to someday own a bar or start a brand. Tequila is my passion, and to be the owner or manager of a tequila bar or cocktail bar would be pretty cool. COASTERRA 880 Harbor Island Dr., Harbor Island 619.814.1300, coasterra.com
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GROOVE
SOUND DECISIONS / CONCERT CALENDAR
JUNE
BY SCOTT MCDONALD
6.6
SHERYL
CROW @ HUMPHREYS CONCERTS BY THE BAY HUMPHREYSCONCERTS.COM
After taking a turn into country with 2013’s “Feels Like Home,” the nine-time Grammy winner returned to her pop-rock roots with April’s “Be Myself.” Her 10th studio album is the second in a row for Warner Bros. Music. >>>
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G R O OV E
BY SCOTT MCDONALD
SOUND DECISIONS
LIKE C JUNE ONCERT A CALENDAR PLAN 6.1: Wavves
@ The Irenic, theirenic.com San Diego bad boy Nathan Williams continues to crank out dynamic music under the moniker Wavves. The band released its sixth fulllength album, “You’re Welcome,” last month and they join Blink-182 on tour before heading to San Diego. B.
6.2: Little Hurricane
@ Belly Up, bellyup.com San Diego’s best rock and blues duo released their third album of original music, “Same Sun Same Moon,” in April. It is the pair’s first since 2014’s “Gold Fever.”
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6.3: Lewis Del Mar
@ Belly Up, bellyup.com Before New York pop-rockers Danny Miller and Max Harwood got picked up by Columbia Records, their debut single, “Loud(y),” hit the top spot on Hype Machine. The duo’s self-titled full-length debut was released last October. D.
6.4: Lady Antebellum
@ Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, live nation.com After collaborating with EDM producer Audien on the 2015 single “Something Better,” the multiple Grammy-winning country trio return
with their seventh full-length, “Heart Break,” this month.
GILLES O’KANE
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E. 6.4&5: Michael Franti & Spearhead
@ Belly Up, bellyup.com It’s been a long journey for Michael Franti, from the political rap of Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy to the universalistic sing-alongs of his work with Spearhead in recent years. But Franti’s message continues to evolve, and he’ll be doling out the positivity in heaps over this two-day stand.
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6.1 W/ BOYZ NEW KIDS ON II MEN & PAULA ABDUL
THE BLOCK
@ VIEJAS ARENA, VIEJASARENA.COM Ready to party like it’s 1989? Then throw on some Reebok Pumps and get ready for this triple-bill of MTV headliners to form like Voltron wearing a neon windbreaker! But it’s not all about the past. NKOTB will be releasing a new EP two weeks after this show. >>>
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P H O T O S B Y: F ) . C A R O L I N E D E S I L E T S ; G ) . C A S E Y C U R R Y / I N V I S I O N / A P ; H ) . A M E L I E R A O U L ; I ) . C O L L E E N E V E R S M A N
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G R O OV E SOUND DECISIONS
JUNE CONCERT CALENDAR
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6.5: Elvis Costello & The Imposters A.
F.
@ Copley Symphony Hall, sandiegosymphony.org Declan MacManus (aka Elvis Costello) has released a book more recently than an album, but that isn’t stopping the Grammy-winning singer and songwriter. This run is a continuation of last year’s tour where Costello reexamined his 1982 album, “Imperial Bedroom.” B.
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6.9: DJ Premier & the BADDER Band C.
@ Belly Up, bellyup.com The Gang Starr legend hits the road as part of a five-piece ensemble. Premier (Christopher Martin) and the BADDER Band visit 16 cites across North America to play both original music as well as live renditions of deep cuts from Gang Starr and the DJ’s own solo productions. D.
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6.8: Valerie June
@ Belly Up, bellyup.com The Tennessee-bred, Brooklyn-based songwriter released her fifth full length, “The Order of Time,” in March – the singer’s first since breaking out with the Dan Auerbach-produced “Pushin’ Against a Stone” in 2013.
6.9: Sheila E
@ Sycuan, sycuan.com Daughter of percussionist Pete Escovedo and niece of San Diego’s own Javier and Mario Escovedo, the singer, multi-instrumentalist and Prince colleague provided the drums on the Hans Zimmer/Junkie XL soundtracks to “Man of Steel” and “Batman v Superman” last year. New single, “Girl Meets Boy,” is out now. E.
6.9&10: Earth, Wind & Fire
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@ Pechanga, pechanga.com The R&B, funk and soul legends return to San Diego. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted and multipleGrammy-winning band still features founding member Verdine White, as well as Philip Bailey and Ralph Johnson – both 45-year members. F.
6.10: Biz Markie
@ House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego Billed as “Decades Collide: ’80s vs. ’90s,” this party will feature both live music and DJ sets from the one and only Biz Markie. Here’s hoping he’ll leave the tables and bust out his own 1989 smash, “Just a Friend,” on the mic. G.
6.12: Ziggy Marley
@ Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com With expansion into philanthropy, graphic novels, children’s books, acting, a GMO-free product line and more, it’s a wonder that the eldest child of Bob and Rita Marley still has time for music. But after picking up his seventh Grammy in 2015 for the album “Fly Rasta,” (his third in the Best Reggae Album category), he followed it with a self-titled release last year – his sixth solo full-length. H.
6.13: Robyn Hitchcock
@ Casbah, casbahmusic.com One-time leader of The Soft Boys, Hitchcock released his self-titled 21st album this year. It was produced by Brenden Benson and features an appearance from Gillian Welch. I.
6.15: Horace Andy
@ Belly Up, bellyup.com The legendary Jamaican singer/ songwriter has worked with Bristol’s Massive Attack in recent years,
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but the roots reggae superstar has released more than 40 albums in his storied career. J.
6.16: Marian Hill
@ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com Are you down-ditty-down? Brooklyn’s Samantha Gongol and Jeremy Lloyd sure hope you are. Still soaring after an Apple AirPods commercial thrust them into the spotlight, the electropop duo just released a video for their song “Down.” K.
6.16: The Specials
@ House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego These 2 Tone/Ska legends also turn 40 this year. Still led by founding members Lynval Golding and Horace Panter, as well as original member Terry Hall, The Specials have survived multiple hiatuses and continue to deliver an amazing live show. L.
6.17: Magic 92.5 Birthday Bash
@ Valley View Casino Center, valleyviewcasinocenter.com Sometimes, old school is the only school. And with a lineup that includes Morris Day & The Time, Zapp, Blackstreet, Ginuwine, and Stevie B, this is one of those times. No diggity. No doubt. M.
6.17: Talib Kweli
@ Neighborhood 10 Year Block Party, neighborhoodsd.com Neighborhood SD is hitting the decade mark and celebrating with what they’re calling “a beer garden party of sorts.” They’re shutting down the block on 8th between Market and G to serve up specialty beers, craft cocktails and a bunch of eats. Oh, and rapper Talib Kweli will be performing.
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DEF LEPPARD
6.16 @ MATTRESS FIRM AMPHITHEATRE, LIVENATION.COM The British band turns 40 this year and is still sporting the same lineup it has had since 1992. The group will be joined on this North American run by hair-metal colleagues Poison and Tesla. >>>
ASH NEWEL PHOTOGRAPHY P H O T O S B Y: A ) . J A M E S O M A R A ; B ) . J A C O B B L I C K E N S TA F F ; C ) . M I C H A E L H I C K S ; D ) . A M Y S U S S M A N ; F ) . B I Z M A R K I E B Y D AV I D C O R I O ; G ) . G R E G O R Y B O J O R Q U E Z ; H ) . L A U R A E . PA R TA I N ; J ) . M I L L E R M O B L E Y; K ) . T H E S P E C I A L S B Y D E A N C H A L K L E Y.
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G R O OV E SOUND DECISIONS
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6.17: Evan Dando
@ Casbah, casbahmusic.com He’s led the Lemonheads and dated Kate Moss. But this year, it’s all about the reissue of his 2003 album, “Baby I’m Bored.” For Record Store Day this year, Dando released an expanded edition of his solo debut that includes unreleased tracks, singles, b-sides and rarities. B. 6.18: Boston and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
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@ Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, livenation.com Do you “love rock and roll?” Does it give you “more than a feeling?” Well then, what are you waiting for? It’s time to head down to Chula Vista and put another dime in that jukebox, baby.
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6.21: Black Lips
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@ Belly Up, bellyup.com It was wild times at the Belly Up the last time these Atlanta punks came to town. And with new songs from their May-released “Satan’s Graffiti or God’s Art?” to infuse the set, it should be no different this time around. D.
6.22: Nick Waterhouse
@ Belly Up, bellyup.com The L.A. songwriter and producer released his third LP, “Never Twice,” last year. The guitarist and singer collaborated with Leon Bridges on the album’s single, “Katchi.”
JUNE CONCERT CALENDAR
TUXEDO
6.23: Maxwell
@ Valley View Casino Center, valleyviewcasinocenter.com From the time of his 1996 debut, “Urban Hang Suite,” Maxwell has been an important part of the R&B landscape. And last year, he released “blackSUMMERS’night,” his first album since 2009’s Grammy-winning “BLACKsummers’night.” F.
6.23: Brad Paisley
@ Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, livenation.com The country superstar released his 11th studio album, “Love and War,” in April. It features guest appearances from Timbaland, Mick Jagger and John Fogerty, as well as a song based on a poem by Johnny Cash.
@ OBSERVATORY NORTH PARK, OBSERVATORYSD.COM
6.22
Tuxedo (Mayer Hawthorne and Jake One) released their second album, “Tuxedo II,” on Stones Throw Records in March. Their sophomore effort finds the band upping the ante on their unique distillation of funk, disco and R&B, and features an introduction from Snoop Dogg. >>>
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JIRO SCHNEIDER P H O T O S B Y: B ) . K A M A L A S A R ; C ) . L A N C E L A U R E N C E ; E ) . E R I C J O H N S O N ; F ) . J I M S H E A .
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G R O OV E
JUNE CONCERT CALENDAR
SOUND DECISIONS
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@ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com After debuting in 2005 with “The Documentary” on Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment, The Game (Jayceon Taylor) has released seven albums. His eighth, 2016’s “1992,” debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and features a collaboration with Jason Derulo. B.
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@ CASBAH, CASBAHMUSIC.COM
SUPERSUCKERS
Miraculously, after being diagnosed with Stage 3 throat cancer in 2005, Supersuckers founder and bandleader Eddie Spaghetti has made a full recovery and has been playing shows again since last year.
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6.25: Blind Pilot
@ Humphreys Conerts by the Bay humphreysconcerts.com The Portland-based indie-folk sextet released their third full-length, “And Then Like Lions,” last year. They spent 2016 touring with Vance Joy and will bring Gregory Alan Isakov on the road with them this summer. C.
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6.23: The Game
6.26: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
@ The Civic Theater, sandiegotheatres.org The Australian post-punk godfather and his band head back out on the road after releasing both an album (“Skeleton Tree”) and a documentary (“One More Time With Feeling”) last year. Last month the band also released a career-spanning, 45-track “best-of” collection.
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6.27: Future
@ Mattress Firm Amphitheater, livenation.com After releasing a pair of albums only two weeks apart in February (self-titled and “HNDRXX”), Future hits the road with Migos, Kodak Black, Tory Lanez, Young Thug and A$AP Ferg in tow. E.
6.29: Jessie James Decker
@ House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego The country star and TV personality released her third EP, “Gold,” in February. She is married to New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker. F.
6.30: The Vandals
@ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com Veteran Huntington Beach punks keep shredding into their 37th year with founding member Joe Escalante and longtime singer Dave Quackenbush still at the helm, and guitarist Warren Fitzgerald and drummer Josh Freese on board since 1989. P H O T O S B Y: A ) . M E E N O ; B ) . B E N MOON; F). LISA JOHNSON.
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HARMONY GERBER
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G R O OV E SPIN CYCLE
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BY SCOTT MCDONALD
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NGHTMRE @ OMNIA, OMNIANIGHTCLUB.COM
Connecticut-born/L.A.-based trap DJ and producer Tyler Marenyi remixed the likes of Tiësto, Rae Sremmurd and Skrillex before eventually being signed to Diplo’s Mad Decent Records. 2017 has seen him release remix EPs for two songs from last year, “Frontlines” (feat. GG Magree) and “Feel Your Love” (feat. Jamie Lewis), as well as drop a new single, “End of the Night,” with Ghastly.
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6.1: MARK KNIGHT
@ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com Knight, the founder of U.K. label Toolroom Records, released his 14-song full-length “A Year in the Life” in 2016 on his own imprint. The Grammy-nominated British DJ/producer’s latest single, “Live Stream,” is a collaboration with Green Velvet & René Amesz, was released in April. B.
6.2: TERRAVITA
@ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com L.A. DJ duo Jon Spero and Chris Barlow recently hooked up with fellow Angeleno spinner BARE on the EP “War Party.” Released in April on Israeli DJ Borgore’s Buygore imprint, the 4-track collaboration also features singer Timo Dee. D.
6.3: FRANCESCA LOMBARDO
@ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com Originally performing under the alias Jackie Misfit, the DJ/producer and classically trained founder of the Echolette and Echoe labels released the remixes to her 2016 single, “Remembrance,” in March. E.
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6.9: DEORRO
@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com Twenty-five-year-old Ultra Records DJ Deorro (aka Erick Orrosquieta) has remixed tracks by Steve Aoki, Gareth Emery and Laidback Luke, and hit platinum when he collaborated with Chris Brown on the single “Five More Hours” in 2015. His 26-song debut LP, “Good Evening,” dropped in March.
6.2: JAY HARDWAY
@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com The 26-year-old Dutch DJ born Jobke Heiblom broke through when he collaborated with fellow countryman Martin Garrix on the 2013 single “Wizard.” The two joined forces again last year on the single “Spotless.” Hardway’s latest, “Scio,” was released in March. C.
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6.8: QUINTINO
@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com Initially discovered by Laidback Luke in their home country of the Netherlands, this Dutch DJ and producer has worked with a slew of notable artists from Afrojack and Tiësto to Harwell and Blasterjaxx. His latest single, “Carnival,” was released by Spinnin’ Records in March.
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6.10: WHAT SO NOT
@ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com Once a duo with EDM superstar Flume, What So Not is now the solo project of Australian producer Emoh Instead (aka Chris Emerson). Last year, Emerson cowrote the song “Talk” with DJ Snake from the French DJ’s smash debut, “Encore,” and collaborated on the single “Waiting” with RL Grime and Skrillex. H.
6.10: PARTY FAVOR
@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com Party Favor, aka Manhattan-born/L.A.based DJ Dylan Ragland, has remixed the likes of Diplo, Major Lazer and Flosstradamus, and he’s toured with Cash Cash and Tritonal. His 2016 EP, “Party & Destroy,” featured collaborations with Sean Kingston, Gucci Mane, Dillon Francis and others. Ragland’s new single, “Wawa,” was released in March. I.
6.16: THE MAGICIAN
@ Spin, spinnightclub.com Known for doing magic tricks on stage while performing, Belgian DJ/producer Stephen Fasano pulled a gold record out of his hat when he collaborated with Years & Years on the 2014 single “Sunlight.” Fasano has remixed Lykke Li and Clean Bandit, and his latest single, “Tied Up” (feat. Julian Perretta), was released in February. J.
6.17: DUBVISION
@ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com Another EDM act from the Netherlands, sibling DJ duo Victor and Stephan
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Leicher have collaborated with the likes of Sander van Doorn, Justin Oh and Dash Berlin. So far in 2017, the Dutch brothers have released a pair of singles – “Geht’s Noch” and “Satellites.” K.
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6.23: BORGEOUS
@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com After releasing his debut LP, “13,” last year, the Miami-based DJ also known as John Borger has had an incredibly busy 2017. He’s already released a 4-track EP of remixes from his debut this year, as well as four different singles: “Over The Edge” (feat. Dia), “Coffee Can Money” (feat. RUNAGROUND), “Feel So Good” with Riggi and Piros, and “Hold Up” with Morten. L.
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6.23: DYRO
@ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com Dutch DJ Jordy van Egmond has released official remixes for Rihanna and Calvin Harris, and worked with everyone from Tiësto and Bassjackers to Hardwell and Bright Lights. Van Egmond’s latest single, “Surrounded” (feat. Joe Taylor), was released in April on his own label, WOLV Records. M.
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6.24: ZIMMER
@ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com The French DJ broke out when he remixed MØ in 2014, but makes plenty of his own music as well. His three-song EP, “Ceremony,” was released at the end of last year and features a collaboration with fellow Parisian Fhin on the song “Lost Your Mind.” N.
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6.24: EPTIC
@ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com The 24-year-old Belgian prodigy (also known as Michael Bella) broke through in 2012 with his “Like A Boss” EP and has remixed the likes of Datsik, Excision and Fedde Le Grand. So far, Bella has released the single “Eat My Dust,” as well as “Hyper Future,” a three-song EP with MUST DIE!, in 2017.
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N. P H O T O S B Y: D ) . Z O E L O W E R ; N ) . B OY KO R T E K A A S
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l ov E
BY DAVID PERLOFF
B L I N D DAT E
PHOTOS BY RICK NOCON MATCHMAKING BY JESSICA PELLIGRA
YAY OR NEIGH? LOOKING FOR LOVE ON THE BACK OF A HORSE
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lind daters Jessica and Ian met for the first time about an hour ago in an Epic Limo bound for the Tijuana River Valley Nature Preserve, where they’ll mount up for a romantic ride along America’s Finest coastline. As the couple gets acquainted during the drive south, let’s review their pre-date interviews. PACIFIC: Where are you from, and where do you live now? JESSICA: I’m from San Diego and have lived here my whole life. IAN: I’m originally from San Jose, and now I live downtown.
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What do you do for a living? JESSICA: I work at a nightclub doing VIP bottle service. IAN: I run a software company called BuildFire. Our platform allows anyone to build their own iPhone and Android app with no coding required. Basically, it’s WordPress for mobile apps. We currently power thousands of apps. What do you do for fun? JESSICA: I love hanging out with my friends, going to music festivals and going out to eat. IAN: Motocross, snowboarding, surfing, wakeboarding, golfing, camping, flying planes. I love action sports, adventures and being outdoors.
What are you best at? JESSICA: Having fun. IAN: Being good at a lot of things. I wouldn’t say I’m an insane expert at one thing in particular other than being good at a lot of things. It’s true in my work life and when it comes to doing things for fun. What do you suck at? JESSICA: Being on time. IAN: Nothing that’s important to me. I find other people to do things I’m not very good at. It’s important to rely on other people’s strengths.
>>>
HOSTED BAR FROM 7-8 PM
FOOD • ENTERTAINMENT • PRIZES BALLOON ANIMALS • FACE PAINTING
l ov E B L I N D DAT E
What are you looking for in a date, physically or otherwise? JESSICA: I would like him to be attractive, make me laugh and drink with me. IAN: I’m a sucker for girls with cute faces, but I also like when they are athletic and fit. Describe your special brand of sex appeal in five words or less. JESSICA: I am a great kisser. IAN: Smart, witty, adventurous, memorable. What do you like least about yourself? JESSICA: Sometimes I can be too much fun. IAN: I really like myself and wouldn’t change who I am. I don’t focus much on what I don’t like. What’s your biggest fear? JESSICA: Expired food. IAN: Not having the opportunity to experience life to the fullest. Anything that could deter that is my biggest fear. Life is an amazing gift, and I wouldn’t want anything that could get in my way of my life goals: traveling the world, being successful in business, et cetera.
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What traits might your date exhibit that would be deal-breakers? JESSICA: I would really consider getting up and leaving if he’s too boring or rude to me. IAN: If they’re not a kind person, not motivated, extremely reserved and quiet, not having much to talk about. Fill in the blanks: I want my blind date to be “blank” and “blank.” JESSICA: Fun and chill, like me. IAN: I want my date to be someone I can enjoy life with. It could be having a great conversation or doing fun things together. But, at the end of the day, it’s all about how you enjoy your time with someone. Oh, and obviously easy on the eyes. Will the night end with a kiss, something more or something less? JESSICA: We shall see. IAN: At least a kiss. It will be too nice of an experience to not live the moment to its fullest. When the limo drops them off at San Diego Beach Rides, the daters check in and prepare
to mount a pair of steeds for a ride along the county’s only horse-friendly beach. Aided by the friendly staff, they quickly get the hang of horsing around. After hoofing it along a scenic trail through the nature preserve, the daters arrive at the Tijuana River. They seem to be getting along well, but between the horses and the tour guide, one-on-one time is at a premium.
HOT TO TROT THE WILD RIDE CONTINUES
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s the sun fades, Jessica and Ian make their way back to the stables, where they dismount before cuddling with critters at Pony Land’s petting zoo. Leaving the horses behind, the two then jump back into their chariot for the ride to SEA180° Coastal Tavern, Cohn Restaurant Group’s waterfront restaurant in Imperial Beach. Located on the ocean side of Pier South Resort, SEA180° beckons beach lovers with a menu by executive chef Ken Irvine and an unforgettable location by the sand. With a seat in view of the waves and a sea of stars twinkling above them, Jessica and Ian appear to be vibing as they look over the menu. As cocktails come and go, and entrees replace appetizers, they inch closer to each other. After dinner, the couple decides to move things inside for dessert and one more drink.
Things appear to be heating up by the time they’re split for mid-date debriefings. PACIFIC: How’s it going so far? JESSICA: It’s actually going really good, much better than I expected. IAN: It’s going great. I’m pretty surprised, actually. You don’t know what to expect, and it’s going great. What were your first impressions of your date? JESSICA: I thought he was really cute, and he seemed very respectful. A little shy, but in a good way. IAN: I thought she was really pretty when I first saw her. She has incredible eyes. I was just like, “OK, where is this going to go?” I was impressed right away. Is this the type of person you’d normally date? JESSICA: Yes and no. Yes, because we actually have a lot of things in common, and I am
attracted to him. But normally I date other industry people, so this is very refreshing. IAN: I’m not very strict about who I am going to date. It’s more about what type of connection you have with someone. I think I have that with Jess. At dinner, we had a really good conversation. Mainly, we have similar backgrounds. Like, from one conversation, it just went boom, boom, boom, boom. I was like, “Whoa, I didn’t know we would have all this stuff in common.” What do you think of how your date is dressed? JESSICA: I really like the way he dresses. Very casual, yet stylish. IAN: Her dinner outfit looks incredible. I like the way she was dressed for horseback riding. Typically, the girls I’ve been with wouldn’t normally wear that, but I like it. She has a different style. Her whole outfit worked perfectly. >>>
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How was horseback riding? JESSICA: It was really fun. The employees were super friendly, and the horseback-riding path was super awesome. It was very romantic to be riding on the beach. I walked away with an awesome experience. IAN: The people who worked there were incredible. I’ve never ridden a horse for much longer than five or 10 minutes, so it was cool to actually get that experience – definitely one of those things to check off the bucket list. What do you think of SEA180°? JESSICA: It’s really pretty. The view is amazing, the presentation of the food is amazing, and the view is awesome. And it was super awesome that they offered me blankets. They give you blankets on the patio on chilly nights since you are right on the beach. IAN: The food is incredible, and the view is nice. Being outdoors, under the heaters and the blankets, was a nice touch. I wasn’t expecting that.
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What’s the most attractive thing your date has done so far? JESSICA: He always kept checking in on me while we were horseback riding, making sure we were close to each other. IAN: I think she has a really nice smile and laugh. I really enjoy when people have a positive attitude, and she smiles a lot and has really pretty eyes. It all goes together. Rate your date on a scale from one to 10 for looks. JESSICA: He’s really cute. If I don’t say “10,” is that insulting? OK, I’d say eight. IAN: I’d give her a solid nine. And for personality? JESSICA: Only knowing him for a couple of hours, I’d say eight. IAN: I’d give her an eight or nine. Do you want to kiss your date right now? JESSICA: I’d be down. IAN: Yeah, I would.
Does your date want to kiss you? JESSICA: I hope so? IAN: Probably. How and when will the date end? JESSICA: We are actually going to go to Oxford Social Club for a friend’s birthday gathering. IAN: I think we are going to go to Oxford with her friends. >>>
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UNBRIDLED PASSION THE DATERS LET GO OF THE REINS
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fter the mid-date break, the magazine crew finally leaves the couple alone to enjoy the rest of their evening away from the camera. A couple of days later, we call to see what we missed.
PACIFIC: How was the rest of your evening at SEA180°? JESSICA: It was awesome. They had a really great selection of land and sea options, and the presentation of all the food was amazing. IAN: SEA180° was awesome. It was pretty chilly out, but the staff took great care of us the whole night and even got us blankets – excellent service. What did you have to eat and drink? JESSICA: I ordered the sangria to drink, the filet
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mignon for my entree and crème brûlée and coconut tres leches cake for dessert. Everything was delicious. IAN: Salmon and scotch. Both were on-point. What was the best part of the date? JESSICA: I really enjoyed the horseback riding, even though it was chaperoned. But the best part had to be dinner, where we were finally able to be alone and found out we had a lot of stuff in common. IAN: The best part was the overall experience. Meeting someone completely new and going out on an epic date is something I’ll remember forever. What’s the funniest thing that happened during the date? JESSICA: We both found out we have a folder saved in our phones for ideas when we’re high.
Mine is called “High Ideas,” and his is “High Times.” IAN: At the very end of the night, she asked how I answered the mid-date question on whether or not I wanted to kiss my date. We immediately kissed after that. I thought it was pretty smooth.
>>>
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Where did you go and what did you after dinner? JESSICA: Our date went so well that, after dinner, I invited him to come to Oxford Social Club with me for my friend’s birthday celebration. IAN: We went to the Oxford in the Gaslamp at the end of the date. It was an epic way to round off the night.
What’s one thing your date really should know before going on another date? JESSICA: I’m weirder than you think. IAN: Keep doing what you’re doing.
Was there a kiss or romantic exchange? JESSICA: There was a goodnight kiss. IAN: Definitely. It wouldn’t have been a legit date without a kiss.
Anything else you’d like to add? JESSICA: I can’t wait to tell our grandkids about how we met. IAN: Overall, this date was a big win. I like winning.
Will there be a second date? JESSICA: There’s actually already been a second date. IAN: The second date (already) happened. That one went really well, too.
AFTERMATCH: Well, there you have it – straight from the horse’s mouth. Jessica and Ian are off to the races. Plus, they both like to toke up, and then save their big ideas on their phones. Next time
they get on their “high” horses, perhaps they can co-found an app that delivers bottle service via horseback. Imagine the TV commercials: “Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t giddyup!”
THANK YOU to (and promotional consideration provided by): Epic Limo, 858.270.LIMO (5466), epiclimo.com; San Diego Beach Rides, 619.947.3152, ponylandsandiego.com; SEA180° Coastal Tavern, 619.631.4949, sea180.com.
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#t b s d
BY KARLA PETERSON
(THROWBACK SAN DIEGO) A LOOK BACK, A GLIMPSE AHEAD
EN GUARD A BATTLE ON THE BEACH IN SOUTH MISSION
The original South Mission Beach lifeguard station was constructed in 1974 out of wood and a promise. The promise being that it would be only a temporary building. The new one will be a nearly 4,000-squarefoot structure with a first-aid room and dual observation areas for lifeguards. It will be built out of sturdier stuff than the original, with room for rescue vehicles and equipment. Not to mention a few bushels of controversy. While it has stayed upright for much longer than anyone could
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have predicted, the original 897-square-foot lifeguard station on North Jetty Road has never been an architectural treasure. About the best you can say is that its chocolate-brown paint job has a comforting 1970s shag-carpet vibe, and its prominently displayed Red Cross signs make it easy to spot, even with sunscreen in your eyes. Otherwise, it does not have the makings of a keeper, which is why it is a shock to be reminded that the legal and administrative battle to build a replacement began more
than a decade ago, and the ETA for the new one might as well be written in sand. The journey started in the early 2000s, when city officials began planning to replace the tower they deemed decrepit and too small. In 2004, the Mission Beach Planning Group rejected plans to build a 3,500-square-foot tower and asked the city to build a smaller station. The city agreed, and a permit was secured in 2006. And then things got quiet. Too quiet. When the recession rolled in,
the project was put on hold. By the time the Coastal Commission approved the permit in 2015, the structure proposed for just north of the original station was bigger than the 2006 version. Concerned about the tower’s growing footprint and the alarming prospect of lost ocean views, a group of neighbors called Citizens for Beach Rights sued the city for not following its own permitting rules. Later that year, a judge granted an injunction to halt construction. But, wait! There’s more legal
The Price Was Right* WHAT CRITICAL BEACH GEAR COST IN 1974
ABOVE: The South Mission Beach lifeguard tower is slated for demolition. INSET: A rendering of the new tower.
$1.59
$1.47
Cost of a six-pack of Budweiser cans
Cost of a 4-oz. bottle of Sea & Ski suntan lotion at Thrifty
$1.89 stuff where that came from. Earlier this year, an appellate court reversed the judge’s ruling, and the city was back in the new South Mission Beach lifeguard tower business. Sort of. The city halts beach construction projects during the summer tourist season, so work will not resume until the fall. Meanwhile, the old South Mission Beach lifeguard station still stands, in all its earth-toned glory. As for South Mission
Beach, it is still one of the widest beaches in the city, where there is plenty of room for the people who love beach volleyball and Frisbee tossing and for the people who want to squint at their phones in peace. If you are in search of a true chunk of San Diego beach history, the Mission Beach Giant Dipper Roller Coaster is just one mile away. The 92-year-old coaster is made of wood, too. But it isn’t going anywhere.
Average cost of a movie ticket (the top-grossing film of the year was “Blazing Saddles”)
$16
Cost of an itsy-bitsy bikini at Robinson’s department store *CBS’ DAYTIME VERSION OF THE PRICE IS RIGHT, THEN STARRING BOB BARKER, FIRST AIRED IN 1972
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BE SOPHISTICATED, OR DON’T. VISIT THEOXFORDSD.COM TO RESERVE A TABLE OR GET ON THE GUESTLIST OPEN THURSDAY - SUNDAY @TheOxfordSD • 435 fifth, San Diego, CA 92101 • Reservations 619-738-7040
A beach in every can.